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Sciences 
Corporation 


23  west  MAIN  STREET 

WERSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


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CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/iCIViH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductione  historiques 


w 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notoa/Notes  tachniquas  at  bibliographiques 


The  Institute  has  attempted  to  obtain  tt'e  best 
original  copy  available  for  filming.  Features  of  this 
copy  which  may  be  biblicgraphically  unique, 
which  may  alter  any  of  the  images  in  the 
reproduction,  or  which  mev  sigi'fificantly  change 
the  usual  method  of  filming,  are  cheched  below. 


□    Coloured  covers/ 
Couverture  de  couleur 


I      I    Covers  damaged/ 


D 


y 


□ 


D 


Couverture  ondommagee 

Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couverture  resiaur6e  et/ou  pellicul^e 


□    Cover  title  i  lissing/ 
Letit 


titre  de  couverture  manque 


□    Coloured  maps/ 
Cartes  gdographiques  en  couleur 


Coloured  ink  (i.e.  other  than  blue  or  black)/ 
Encre  de  couleur  (i.e.  autre  que  bleue  ou  noire) 


□    Coloured  pl&tes  and/or  illustrations/ 
Planches  et/ou  illustrations  en  couleur 


D 


Sound  with  other  material/ 
Reli6  avec  d'autres  documents 

Tight  binding  may  cause  shadows  or  distortion 
along  interior  margin/ 

La  reliure  serr^e  '.:eut  causer  de  I'ombre  ou  de  la 
distortion  le  long  de  la  me^'ge  int^rieure 

Blank  leaves  added  during  restoration  may 
appear  within  thr.  text.  Whenever  possible,  these 
have  been  omitted  from  filming/ 
II  se  peut  que  certaines  pages  blanches  ajout^es 
lors  d'une  restauration  apparaissent  dans  le  texte, 
mais,  lorsque  cela  dtait  possible,  ces  pages  n'ont 
pas  6t6  film6es. 

Additional  comments:/ 
Commentaires  suppl^mentaires: 


L'Institut  a  microfilm^  le  meilleur  exempSaire 
qu'il  lui  a  itt  possible  de  se  procurer.  Les  details 
de  cet  exempiaire  qui  sont  peut-6tre  uniques  du 
point  de  vue  bibliographique,  qui  pcuvent  modifier 
une  image  reproduite,  ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  une 
modification  dans  la  mdthode  normale  de  filmage 
sont  indiquds  ci-dessous. 


I      I   Coloured  pages/ 


Q 


Pages  de  couleur 

Pagas  damaged/ 
Pages  endommagdes 

Fages  restored  and/oi 

Pages  restaurdes  et/ou  pelliculdes 

?age&  discoloured,  stained  or  foxei 
Pages  d6color6as,  tachetdes  ou  piqu6es 

Pages  detached/ 
Pages  d^tachSes 

Showthrough/ 
Transparence 

Quality  of  prir 

Quality  indgale  de  I'impression 

icludes  supplementary  materii 
omprend  du  materiel  suppl^mentaire 

Inly  edition  available/ 
Seule  6dition  disponible 


I      I  Pagas  damaged/ 

I      I  Fages  restored  and/or  laminated/ 

r~l\  ?age&  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed/ 

I      I  Pages  detached/ 

I      I  Showthrough/ 

I      I  Quality  of  print  varies/ 

□  Includes  supplementary  material/ 
C 

I      I  Only  edition  available/ 


Pages  wholly  or  partially  obscured  by  errata 
slips  tfissues,  etc..  have  been  refiimed  to 
ensure  the  best  possible  image/ 
Les  pages  totalement  ou  partiellement 
obscurcies  par  un  feuillet  d'errata,  une  pelure, 
etc.,  ont  6t6  fil:;'n6Hs  d  nouveau  de  fagon  d 
obtenir  la  meilleur^  image  possible. 


This  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  chet;ked  below/ 

Ce  document  est  fiimi  au  taux  de  reduction  indiquA  ci-decsous. 


10X 

14X 

18X 

22X 

26X 

30X 

/ 

'"""" 

_,i 

12X 


16X 


20X 


ax 


28X 


32X 


The  copy  filmed  here  has  been  reproduced  thanks 
to  the  genorosity  of: 

National  Ubrary  of  Canada 


L'exemplaire  film6  fut  reproduit  ^rdce  d  la 
g6n6ro8it6  de: 

Bibliothdque  nntionale  du  Canada 


The  imaged  appearing  here  are  the  best  quality 
possible  considering  the  condition  and  legibility 
of  the  original  copy  and  in  Iteeping  with  the 
filming  contract  specifications. 


Les  images  suivantes  ont  6t6  reproduites  avec  le 
plus  grand  soin,  compte  tenu  de  la  condition  et 
de  la  nettet6  de  l'exemplaire  fiimd,  et  en 
conformity  avec  les  conditions  du  contrat  de 
filmage. 


Original  copies  in  printed  paper  covers  are  filmed 
beginning  with  the  front  cover  and  ending  on 
the  last  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, or  the  back  cover  when  appropriate.  All 
other  original  copies  are  filmed  beginning  on  the 
fintt  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, and  ending  on  the  last  page  with  a  printed 
or  illustrated  impression. 


Les  exemplaires  originaux  dont  la  couverture  en 
papier  est  imprimis  soiot  film6s  en  commenpant 
par  le  premier  plat  et  en  terminant  soit  par  la 
dernlAre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ^ii  d'illustration,  soit  par  le  second 
plat,  selon  le  cas.  Tous  les  autres  exemplaires 
originaux  sont  fiimds  en  commengant  par  la 
premidre  page  qui  comports  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration  et  en  terminant  par 
la  dernidre  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 


The  last  recorded  frame  on  each  microfiche 
shall  contain  the  symbo!  --»>  (meaning  "CON- 
TINUED "),  or  the  symbol  V  (meaning  "END"i, 
whichever  applies. 


Un  des  symboles  suivants  apparcitra  sur  la 
dernidre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  la 
cas:  le  symboie  — ►  signifie  "A  SUIVRE  ",  le 
symbole  V  signifie  "FIK". 


iVIaps,  plates,  cherts,  etc.,  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  ratios.  Those  too  large  to  be 
entirely  included  in  one  exposure  are  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  hottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


Les  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  dtre 
fiimds  d  des  taux  de  reduction  diffdrents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  dtre 
reproduit  en  un  seul  clich6,  ii  est  filmd  d  partir 
de  I'angle  supdrieur  gauche,  de  gauche  d  droite, 
et  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'images  n6cessair6.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
illustrent  la  m6thode. 


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HON.  irORATIO   SEm<rOUR 


PRESIDENT  OF  THE  SARATOGA  MONUMENT  ASSOCIATION, 

1873.1881. 


B    TLES  OF  Saratoga 


1777 


THE  SARATOGA  MONUMENT  AS^   ^ClATION 

18^6-1891 


ILLUSTRATED 


BY 


HiLEN   Hardin   Walworth 


iShLL'S  SONS,  PUBIJSHHRS 

ALBANY,  N.  Y. 


Battles  of  Saratoga 


1777 


THE  SARATOGA  MONUMENT  ASSOCIATION 

1856-189I 


ILLUSTRATED 


BY 


Mrs.    Ellen   Hardin   Walworth 


JOEL  MUNSELL'S  sons.  PUBLISHERS 

ALBANY,  N.  Y. 


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Copyright,  l8gi,  by  Mrs.  Ellen  Hardin  Walworth 


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PniNTma  HauH  op  Jamm  a.  Roair« 
eB-e7  John  St.,  N.  Y. 


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\{ 


DEDICATED 

to 

MRS.  BENJAMIN  HARRISON, 

Whose 

Active  Pa.triotism 

Is  an  Inspiration  to  Her  Countrymen. 


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*'K*b*'Sb. 


CONTENTS. 

The  Battles  of  Saratoga— Burgoyne  and  the  Northern  Campaign,        -  7 

History  of  the  Saratoga  Mouument  Association,  1856-1891,       -        -  41 

Schuylerville, 

Guide  to  the  Battle  Ground  and  Schuylerville, 125 

Key  to  the  Map  of  the  Third  Period  of  Burgoyne's  Campaign,     -        -  129 

A  Visit  to  the  Battle  Ground— The  Baroness  Reidesel  in  America,    -  133 
Visitors' Guide— Saratoga  Springs,         -        .        -        .        .        .        -175 

ILLUSTRATIONS  AND  MAPS. 

Horatio  Seymour  (steel  plate), Frontispiece. 

General  Daniel  Morgan, opposite  page      7 

Women  of  the  Revolution,  1776, "  "        t6 

Gen.  Schuyler  Transferring  his  Command  to  Gen.  Gates,        "  "        24 

Old  Battle  Well,  Freeman's  Farm, «  "36 

John  H.  Starin  (steel  plate),  ....     Frontispiece  H.  S.  M.  A. 

James  M.  Marvin  (steel  plate), opposite  page      46 

John  V,  L.  Pruyn, «  "          t;4 

William  L.  Stone, «  "66 

Bemus'  Tavern — Tablet, «  «<          -^ 

J.  Watts  de  Peyster, «  u          _ 

Advanced  American  Entrenchments — Tablet,        -        -            «  «          »g 

J.  C.  Markham, «  «          g . 

Ellen  Hardin  Walworth, «  "06 

Saratoga  Monument, «  «        jq  . 

Twenty-four-Pounder  taken  from  the  British,  1813,        .           "  "         ,17 

Map  of  the  Third  Period  of  Burgoyne's  Campaign  (original),  "  "        129 

Fort  Neilson — Tablet,    - «  <<        j-- 

Battle  of  September  19th — Tablet, "  "142 

The  British  Line  of  Battle— Tablet,       ....            «  «         j  .g 

Morgan's  Hill — Tablet, «  "         ico 

Balcarras'  Redoubt — Tablet. «<  «         ,  ^  ^ 

Arnold  Wounded,  Breyman's  Hill— Tablet,        .        .        .       «•  «        jgS 

Map  of  Drives  about  Saratoga  Springs  (original),          -            "  "        173 


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PREFACE. 


, 


The  kind  reception  which  has  been  given  to  my  monograph  of  Bur- 
goyne's  campaign,  published  in  1877,  by  the  public  and  by  some  eminent 
historians,  leads  me  to  illustrate  this  new  edition  with  original  views  of  the 
battle-ground  and  the  historic  tablets  which  have  been  erected  to  mark  differ- 
ent points  of  interest. 

The  history  of  monument  associations,  such  as  is  here  offered  of  the 
Saratoga  Monument  Association,  is  usually  published  in  a  small  edition  for 
circulation  among  those  only  who  are  especially  interested  in  such  work.  But 
if  we  may  believe  "  the  signs  of  the  times,"  a  period  has  arrived  in  the  intel- 
lectual development  of  our  country  when  historical  subjects  can  scarcely  be 
claimed  as  belonging  exclusively  to  a  email  class  of  people.  General  attention 
has  been  aroused ;  and  it  therefore  seems  a  suitable  time  to  direct  the  public 
mind  to  such  work  as  has  been  done  to  commemorate  the  deeds  of  the  founders 
of  our  Republic,  and  to  stimulate  an  irterest  which  may  lead  to  the  lull 
accomplishment  of  a  much-neglected  work,  by  which  every  revolutionary 
battle-ground  in  the  country  shall  be  marked  with  a  suitable  monument,  and 
the  most  noted  become  public  parks,  belonging  to  the  Government,  which  is 
an  evolution  whose  beginning  was  on  these  fields  of  heroism. 

A  love  of  peace,  even  a  belief  in  the  future  of  arbitration  without  war, 
cannot  lessen  the  glory  of  martial  deeds  in  the  past.  As  we  know  that  no  great 
principle  of  right  can  be  upheld  and  propagated  without  struggle,  self- 
sacrifice  and  contest  of  some  kind,  we  know  also  that  such  contest  in  the  past 
waa  necessarily  by  force  of  arms.  Therefore  it  is  not  war  in  itself,  with  its 
psBons  of  victory  which  attracts  us,  but  those  underlying  principles  which 
are  still  working  out  the  best  destiny  of  our  race  and  country. 

One  of  the  leading  minds  of  America  has  declared  that  history  is  a 
science.  No  science  can  be  so  well  studied  and  advanced  as  by  its  application 
to  individual  localities.  It  is  in  the  pursuit  of  local  history  that  the  most 
reliable  facts  are  developed.  The  faithful  clironicle  of  the  town  or  village  c" 
neighborhood  becomes,  m  time,  the  gem  of  a  great  collection.  The  aggrega- 
tion of  such  records  make  up  the  truth  of  history.  It  is,  then,  desirable  that 
inducements  should  be  offered  to  persons  who  reside,  in  historical  localities  to 
preserve  and  value  all  which  relates  to  the  paet.  Monuments  and  historic 
tablets  are  the  natural,  the  most  simple,  method  of  education  :  money  lavished 
on  them  is  money  saved  for  future  generations.  Let  our  hurrying  crowds 
pause  for  a  time  before  the  monument  or  tlie  tablet ;  they  will  have  rest  of 
mind,  of  bodv,  of  nerves,  and  above  that  they  will  find  incentive  for  nobler 
action  beyond. 


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PKKFACE. 


A  record  of  the  experience  of  an  association  should  be  as  useful  as  the 
biography  of  an  individual.  "With  this  thought  I  have  obtained  the  consent 
of  the  Saratoga  Monument  Association  to  publish  a  sketch  of  its  proceedings 
from  the  beginning,  which  have  resulted  in  the  erection  of  a  beautiful,  unique 
and  appropriate  Monument  at  a  reasonable  expense,  And  the  marking  of 
many  points  of  interest  on  the  battle-ground,  wnich  at  Saratoga  covers  so 
large  an  area. 

The  eminent  men  who  in  the  past,  and  who  still,  represent  this  work, 
acted  with  the  8air3  steadfast,  self-sacrificing  spirit  which  inspired  the  work 
of  those  whom  it  commemorates ;  and  it  is  to  be  hoped  that  their  example  will 
be  an  inspiration  to  others  to  imitate  their  patriotism. 

The  nabit  of  visiting  battle-grounds,  so  long  established  in  Europe,  has 
small  following  in  America.  It  is,  therefore,  considered  well  to  add  to  the 
account  of  the  battles  and  the  battle-fields  a  guide  and  a  map  of  drives  which 
will  assist  visitors  in  finding  the  several  places  of  historical  interest.  The  ac- 
companying map  of  the  third  period  of  Burgoyne's  campaign  has  been  pre- 
pared with  much  care  from  the  military  maps  of  General  Burgoyne's  ofiicers, 
found  in  the  State  Library  at  Albany,  and  compared  with  late  topographical 
maps  of  that  region. 

I  cannot  close  these  preliminary  words  without  expressing  my  great 
indebtedness  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Saratoga  Monument  Association,  Mr. 
William  L.  Stone,  for  his  material  aid  and  his  encouragsment.  The  history 
of  the  earlier  years  of  the  Association,  from  1856  to  1878,  is  entirely  his 
work,  which  was  published  in  1879,  and  he  has  afEorded  every  facility  lor  a 
correct  record  of  the  remaining  years. 

By  no  one  person  lias  the  work  of  this  Association  been  more  advanced 
than  by  Mr.  Stone.  His  enthusiasm  has  been  unabated  and  his  labors  unceas- 
ing. In  the  meantime,  he  has  made  a  rare  and  remarkable  collection  of 
books,  maps  and  manuscripts  relating  to  the  Burgoyne  campaigi",  of  priceless 
value ;  ana  this  has  doubtless  furnished  him  larj  jly  with  the  data  for  his  valu- 
able and  most  interesting  "  History  of  Burgoyne's  Campaign,"  published  by 
Joel  Munsell's  Sons,  of  Albany. 

To  the  architect  of  the  Monument,  Mr.  J.  0.  Markham,  whose  ancestor* 
fought  on  the  fields  of  Saratoga,  I  am  indebted  for  the  use  of  his  original 
designs  of  historic  tablets,  and  for  many  valuable  services.  To  all  of  the 
officers  of  the  Association  I  offer  earnest  thanks  for  their  unfailing  courtesy 
and  kindness.  ' 

E.  H.  W. 

*  Jeremiah  Markham,  of  MIddletowD,  Conn.,  was  in  command  of  a  company  in  Learned'a  brigade. 
Tbla  company,  with  others,  was  stationed  on  the  river-road  near  Bemua's  Tavern,  with  orders  to  "bolA 
It  at  all  bazaras."  In  the  defense,  Markham  was  severely  and  It  was  thought  mortallv  wounded  in  the 
bead.  While  being  carried  to  the  rear  be  shouted  to  his  men:  "  Stand  your  ground;  remember  your 
homes."    He  recovered  and  lived  many  years  afterward,  dying  in  1827,  at  Plymouth,  Conn. 


)eful  as  the 
the  consent 
proceedings 
iful,  unique 
marking  of 
I  covers  so 

this  work, 
id  the  work 
sample  will 

Enrope,  has 
add  to  the 
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r  my  great 
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■'^■•..», 


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GENERAL  DANIEL  MORGAN. 

From  a  portrait  in  the  possession  of  Mrs.  V.  N.  Taylor,  Wasliinnton,  D.  C.  , 


wwtw'wvt: 


TnS    iJATTLK    C^i 


BUROOYNE    AI:ri!    TJH 


MSIPAJON,     1777 


THE    ,'ainpaign  of  Biirgnvn'    ■•  '^ 
mm. h  light  thrnvvn  u;>'.ii 
present    thiic    lu.tj    -'u  '    • 

ri'.stf     f  f.!-i  Mtor  or  kK8  ■•;!;  •  •, -  ■ 

i'.ii-  by  th.?   works  of  great  .•ii.^-.'ii-i.-f,  -o, 
'/>  portrav  again  iho  gnjat  lastcfiu!  dr 
1777,  no;a-  the  banks  of  tli.:  S:    '  i    > 
tragic  eiciuoats  in  October  of 

Few  important  events  liavc  "■:,'/ 
in  unity  of  purpose  and  i-";!!:,';!  iti  n: 
and  fow  have  occupied  so 
<'r:t«;r   Canada  at  the  Tliroe    IJiv<.i-,, 
oui'ampruent  was  des-ertei  :  i.i     ' 


ia<*iancoe,  has  ha-'.  BO 
■;vt    it,x   Tcvii'w   :v    the 

;;;..o'is,     Yol,  aa 
■ulr,  f.oail- 

';  :<H\    iipt 

'r;  .iiJie, 

'  ay 

'   iJic  UmlsiHi. 
•:   iiis;   uislurj.    ^'!     ii.>    vvorlu,  which, 
■if:-i,  ;ire  more  'attMiot;iy  dramatic; 
.  ,•  lui  n^-Tthora  liOiUKlary  \ve  nuist 

''        !  i-  ;  ■    ■,  !    ( »■  t-in:!i!    winder 

■■  i.i  !ni'  ■  i   '■'  ;■  :.^  pl..ce  of 

:-.V       .        :;    I         :!   .      }l     ■     ■vli,  whcfO 


!  i'^Mrr  St;in>/.i\,  ^.11  important  point  la  t]i.  'ii  ;  on  the  eaat  v.'re  the 

1'  Gran tf,  just  molding  thenisclvus  into  an  organ izud  guvornnii.';it, 

Prlli:^!    met  their  lirtit  ropuls-o ;    and  toward   the  Hontl;,  ii 

:    :■' •'  rri.Hm 

_■■    ^  ■.  lii:-   l'(irt:i»'r   lu  rli.sv  lid 


e 

U>m  nr.,nrf-i:vres  to-  k  y-lii-.e  that  formed  a  h'ige  pide-])l.iy 

iu;>  tliere  were  but 
•k,  wliije  tht  ;.s;"-.!-oi;ii(l  •  ^    '  •  :  .  !     ''  ."ce?^  from 


.icv  in    .T,.- 1 


aouLcl'.  di,!'  unhinged  uiircway  of  nic  lionh,  'i'ii,-OT\deroga, 
tiiward  to  meet  their  iijiai  fate  in  the  ]Mcture8ijue  region 


t:4A 


'."iue,  can  easily   picture  to  ourseives  the  iniVgaificeT?t 
iU  t/>ok  placo  ;  we,  who  so  often  traverse  ihis  region 


F.vltJ'p 


THE  BATTLE  OF  SARATOGA 


BUROOYNE  AND  THE  NORTHERN  CAMPAION,  1777 


THE  Campaign  of  Burgoyne,  with  its  attendant  circumstances,  has  had  so 
much  light  thrown  upon  it  by  skillful  writers  that  its  review  at  the 
present  time  may  seem  unnecessary  —  even  presumptuous.  Yet,  as 
artists  of  greater  or  less  capacity  are  encouraged  to  repeat  a  theme,  made  famil- 
iar by  the  works  of  great  masters,  so,  perhaps,  may  be  justified  this  attempt 
to  portray  again  the  great  historical  drama  that  opened  so  exultin^ly  in  June, 
1777,  near  the  banks  of  the  St.  Lawrence  river,  and  terminated  amid  so  many 
tragic  elements  in  October  of  the  same  year,  on  the  banks  of  the  Hudson. 

Few  important  events  have  occurred  in  the  history  of  the  world,  which, 
in  unity  of  purpose  and  culminating  interest,  are  more  intensely  dramatic ; 
and  few  have  occupied  so  vast  a  theatre.  For  its  northern  boundary  we  must 
enter  Canada  at  the  Three  Rivers,  where  the  British  and  German  winter 
encampment  was  deserted  ;  on  the  west  we  find  the  famous  carrying  place  of 
the  Indians  between  the  head  waters  of  the  Oswego  and  the  Mohawk,  where 
stood  Fort  Stanwix,  an  important  point  in  the  action  ;  on  the  east  were  the 
Hampshire  Grants,  just  molding  themselves  into  an  organized  government, 
where  the  British  met  their  first  repulse ;  and  toward  the  south,  in  the 
Jerseys,  those  momentous  mancEuvres  took  place  that  formed  a  huge  side-play 
to  the  stirring  events  further  northward;  the  main  armies  there  were  but 
holding  each  other  in  check,  while  the  over-confident  English  forces  from 
Canada  poured  through  that  unhinged  gateway  of  the  north,  Ticonderoga, 
and  swept  on  southward  to  meet  their  final  fate  in  the  picturesque  region 
of  Old  Saratoga. 

We,  of  the  present  time,  can  easily  picture  to  ourselves  the  magnificent 
stage  on  which  these  events  took  place  ;  we,  who  so  often  traverse  this  region 


^^i^ 


8 


UArrLB    OF   HARATOOA 


by  land  luul  water ;  patwiiig  thruugh  the  lovely  vi,Moy  of  the  Mohawk  from 
Albany  to  Lake  Ontario ;  thence  skirting  the  great  northern  wilderness,  as  we 
sweep  around  it  by  water  into  the  borders  of  Canada,  and  from  there  return- 
ing through  the  grand  river-like  Lake  Champlain  to  Whitehall,  the  old 
Skenesborough.  Again  w  paijs  over  fair  hills,  and  by  the  historic  Wood 
Creek  to  Fort  Edward,  aiM  thenco  by  romantic  carriage  rides,  or  on  the  lazy 
canal,  to  the  mouths  of  the  Mohawk,  and  to  Albany  again.  Hence,  resting 
on  the  tranquil  waters  of  the  broad  Hudson,  our  sumptuous  boat  is  soon  borne 
onward  past  the  Highlands,  past  the  jire-ravaged  town  of  Kingston;  and 
lower  down,  whe.e  we  look  for  the  sites  of  Forts  Montgomery  and  Clinton, 
and  where  Putnam  stood  guard  at  Peekskill.  We  are  stirred  by  memories  of 
the  anxieties,  the  hopes,  the  fluctuations  of  despair  and  joy  that  sv/ayed  our 
countrymen  of  that  time  ;  and  wo  are  not  unmindful  of  the  agony  of  longing 
with  which  the  ambitious  Burgoyno  listened  for  one  sound  of  victory,  or  of 
hearty  co-operation  from  this  region,  while  he  clung  to  his  last  foothold  before 
the  victorious  army  of  the  Patriots.  Landing  at  New  York,  our  imagination 
still  tilled  with  these  visions  of  the  past,  we  naturally  turn  to  the  western 
shores  of  the  bay  ;  there  the  names  that  float  so  vaguely  in  our  minds — Mor- 
ristown,  Middlebrook,  Quibbletown,  and  Brunswick — seem  suddenly  vivified, 
and  resolve  themselves  into  a  hieroglyphic  that  reads :  "  Remember  Washing- 
ton !  "  It  wiis  his  grasp  of  large  events,  his  steadfastness  of  purpose,  and  his 
firm  directing  rein,  that  brought  into  harmony  and  effect  the  confiicting  and 
seemingly  inefficient  forces  that  made  the  closing  scene  of  this  spectacle  a 
triumph  that  astonished  the  world. 

The  importance  of  this  triumph  upon  the  fortunes  of  the  American 
struggle  for  Independence  is  undibputed.  The  Battle  of  Saratoga  is  declared 
upon  high  authority  to  be  one  of  the  fifteen  decisive  battles  of  the  world. 
The  reactionary  feeling  it  called  forth  in  the  Colonics,  after  the  disasters  and 
anxieties  of  the  campaign  of  the  previoup  year  in  Canada,  strengthened  public 
sentiment  in  favor  of  the  patriotic  cause,  end  filled  the  depleted  ranks  of  the 
army.  It  led  directly  to  the  indispensable  assistance  received  from  France, 
and  thus  to  the  later  recognition  of  other  foreign  Governments.  As  in  the 
last  French  and  English  war,  the  campaign  of  1759,  which  embraced  the 
rocky  heights  of  Quebec,  the  great  water  line  of  New  York,  and  the  western 
posts  on  the  great  lake :,  was  the  decisive  campaign ;  so  by  tLis  one  of  1777, 
similar  in  construction,  it  eas  proposed  by  the  Engush  King  and  his 
American  Minister,  Lord  Germaine,  to  divide  and  crush  the  Colonies,  and 
terminate  the  war. 


HATTI^   OF   SARATOGA 


GenerHl  Burj^oynp,  who  had  witii«fiw>d  fh«i  buttle  of  Biinkrr  Hill,  and  had 
watched  with  critical  judgment  the  cuutioiirt  movementH  of  Sir  Guy  (^arleton 
during  the  year  177»i,  had  in  the  latter  part  of  that  year  returned  to  p]ngland 
and  hold  long  consultation^',  with  the  King  and  (irorrnaine.  Hurgoyne  brought 
hin  military  knowledge  and  experience  and  IiIh  brilliant  intellectual  powers 
into  play  in  depicting  to  them  the  wisdom  and  eHi(*iency  of  AmherHt'H  cam- 
paign of  i7ritt.  May  he  not  alHo  have  htild  in  Imh  fervid  imagination  Home 
pit;ture  of  himself  in  the  nt^ar  future  receiving  hucIi  honorH  uh  had  been 
awarded  to  AmherHt?  We  know  the  result  of  those  coiiHu'tations ;  how  a 
definite  and  explicit  plan  w..8  formed  in  Kngland  by  which  every  particular 
in  regard  to  the  movement  of  troops  in  Canada  was  sjMScitied,  even  to  the 
number  that  should  garrison  each  successive  post;  how  Sir  Guy  Carleton  wag 
ignored,  and  ordered  to  hand  over  the  army  of  invasion  tjCJeneral  Bnrgoyne; 
and  how,  upon  leaving  the  Canadian  boundaries,  that  army  was  to  be  wholly 
independent  of  Carleton.  Orders  were  also  forwarded  to  Sir  William  Howe, 
at  New  York,  to  co-operate  with  this  enterprise  by  proceeding  up  the  Hudson 
river  to  join  Bnrgoyne  at  Albany.  These  orders  do  not  appear  to  have  been 
so  peremptory  as  those  which  were  to  control  the  northern  division  of  the 
array  ;  at  leust  Lord  Howe  interpreted  them  very  freely.  He  not  only  sailed 
south,  toward  Philadelphia,  with  the  main  army,  while  Bnrgoyne  was  pushing 
toward  him  from  the  north,  but  he  left  Sir  Henry  Clinton  at  New  York  with 
purely  discretionary  powers  in  regard  to  such  co-operation. 

It  was  also  arranged  by  Lord  Germaine  that  an  expedition  should  bo  sent 
to  Fort  Etanwix  by  way  of  Lake  Ontario,  which  should  make  its  way  thence 
through  the  Mohawk  valley  to  Albany  ;  and  St.  Leger  was  designated  as  the 
proper  person  for  its  command.  The  New  England  Colonies  were  also  to  be 
threatened  with  invasion ;  upon  this  order  General  Bnrgoyne  based  very 
strongly  his  defense,  before  the  Parliamentary  Committee,  of  his  disastrov.b 
movement  upon  Bennington. 

It  is  thus  seen  that  the  culmination  of  this  grand  scheme  was  directed 
against  the  very  heart — the  vital  existent  i  of  the  great  province  of  New 
York,  even  then  the  most  imporcant,  the  most  vigorous  of  those  thirteen 
young  giants  who  stood  so  sullealy,  defiantly,  and  yet  reluctantly  at  bay  to 
receive  the  blow  that  would  decide  whether  they  should  submit  to  the  unrea- 
sonable demands  of  a  tyrannical  parent,  or  remain  free  for  the  development 
of  a  full  manhood. 

When  Burgoyne  arrived  at  Quebec,  in  May,  he  found  Carleton  ready  to 
aid  him  with  alacrity,  and  in  a  very  short  time  tlio  troops  that  had  been  in 


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I'iJJK^l!! 


10 


BATTLE   OF  SASATOOA 


winter  quarters  and  the  noAvly -arrived  reinforcements — the  Canadian  Pro- 
vinciak  and  the  Indian  allies — were  in  readiness  for  a  forward  movement. 
Burgoyne  ordered  the  sick  and  the  baggrge  to  be  left  at  Three  Rivers,  and  the 
whole  array  to  concentrate  at  St.  Johns.  This  was  accomplished  by  the  12th 
of  June,  an  J  here,  on  t'  at  day,  around  a  sumptuous  dinner,  sat  Sir  Guy  Carle- 
ton,  Generals  Biii-e-n"  .e,  Riedesol,  Phillips,  Frazer  and  other  officers  of  rank. 
While  still  .t  the  table  a  message  was  brought  informing  General  Riedesel  of 
the  long-anticipattd  arrival  of  his  wife,  the  Baroness,  at  Quebec,  and  announc- 
ing to  General  Carleton  the  approach  of  reinforcements  for  the  army  in 
Canala.  Hearty  congratulations  were  exchanged,  the  ifine  flowed  freely,  and 
amid  great  hilarity  and  exultation  General  Carleton  took  leave  of  the  army  of 
invasion.  A  brilliant  scene  was  presented  by  this  trained  and  disciplined 
army  of  two  nations,  equipped  with  all  that  power,  wealth  and  skill  could 
devise  and  procure,  and  accompanied  by  artillery  unparalleled  at  that  time  for 
efficiency  and  splendor.  As  the  guns  roared  out  their  farewell  salute,  and  the 
different  corps  moved  back  and  forth  in  their  preparations  to  embark,  the 
"arth  shook  as  though  -he  would  hasten  their  departure  ;  and  as  they  floated 
towards  the  great  lake,  its  waters  quivered  under  the  light  of  a  hazy  mystery 
that  seemed  to  entice  them  on  to  unimagined  glories.  What  wonder  if  the 
poet-soul  of  Burgoyne  reveled  in  enchanting  fancies  that  clothed  the  end  in 
brightness.  We  have  been  accustomed  to  think  of  him  in  disgrace,  as  he 
yielded  his  sword  to  his  victorious  enemy — or  to  dwell  on  his  pompous  procla- 
mations, his  grandiose  follies.  Another  view  may  be  taken  of  this  hero  of 
misfortunes.  Ho  made  undoubted  and  serious  sacrifices  in  an  attempt  to  con- 
trol and  humanize  his  savage  allies;  his  high  eense  of  honor  cannot  be  ques 
tioned;  his  calmness  and  discretion  under  unjust  public  opprobrium  and  censure 
are  worthy  of  admiration  and  imitation.  The  brilliancy  of  his  hope,  the 
persistency  of  his  efforts  to  accomplish  the  desired  end,  his  unflinching 
assumption  of  entire  responsibility,  and  the  quiet  dignity  with  which  fin»l 
disaster  was  faced  and  borne,  render  him  one  of  the  most  picturesque  and 
pathetic  objects  that  fill  for  a  moment  the  kaleidoscope  of  our  revolutionary 
epoch. 

We  have  i  graphic  description  of  Burgoyne's  army  on  Lake  Champlain, 
given  by  Anburey,  a  yoimg  officer  who  accompanied  the  expedition,  in  one  of 
his  delightful  letters  to  a  friend.  "  Let  me  just  relate,"  writes  he,  "  in  what 
manner  the  iirmy  passed  up  the  lake,  which  was  by  brigades,  generally 
advancing  fr':ni  seventeen  to  twenty  miles  a  day,  and  regulated  in  such  a 
manner  that  the  second  Brigadn  should  take  the  place  of  the  first,  and  so  on 


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■■«*« 


BATTLE   OF   SA.BAT0OA 


IX 


BUCceBsively,  for  each  Brigade  to  fill  the  ground  the  other  quitted  ;  the  time  of 
departure  was  always  daybreak." 

In  another  letter  he  writes  :  "  I  cannot  forbear  portraying  to  your  imag- 
ination one  of  the  most  pleasing  spectacles  I  ever  beheld.  "When  we  were  in 
the  widest  part  of  the  lake,  whose  beauty  and  extent  I  have  already 
described,  it  was  remarkably  fine  and  clear,  not  a  breeze  was  stirring,  when 
the  whole  army  appeared  at  one  view  in  such  perfect  regularity  as  to  form 
the  most  complete  and  splendid  regatta  you  can  possibly  conceive.  In  the 
front  the  Indians  went  with  their  birch-bark  canoes,  containing  twenty  or 
thirty  each  ;  then  the  advanced  corps  in  regular  line  with  the  gun-boats,  then 
followed  the  Royal  George  and  Inflexible,  towing  large  booms — which  are  to 
be  thrown  across  two  points  of  land — with  the  two  brigs  and  sloops  following ; 
after  them  Generals  Burgoyne,  Phillips  and  Riedesel  in  their  pinnaces ;  next 
to  them  the  second  Battalion,  followed  by  the  German  Battalion ;  and  the 
rear  was  brought  up  with  the  sutlers  and  followers  of  the  army.  Upon  the 
appearance  of  so  formidable  a  fleet  you  may  imagine  they  were  not  a  little 
dismayed  at  Ticonderoga,  for  they  were  apprised  of  our  advance,  as  we  every 
day  could  see  their  watch-boats." 

While  the  main  army  from  Canada  was  thus  advancing  towards  Crown 
Point  and  Ticonderoga,  St.  Leger,  with  nearly  a  thousand  men,  regulars  and 
Canadians,  and  Sir  John  Johnson  with  the  Royal  Greens,  whose  homes  all 
lay  in  the  beautiful  valley  they  now  wished  to  ravish  and  conquer,  moved  up 
the  St.  Lawrence  and  through  Lakes  Ontario  and  Oneida  into  Wood  Creek, 
by  which  to  approach  Fort  Stanwix  or  Schuyler.  This  fort  was  garri<ioned  by 
seven  hundred  and  fifty  Continental  troops,  and  was  under  the  command  of 
the  brave  Colonel  Gansevoort. 

Early  in  the  year  1777  General  Philip  Schuyler,  commanding  the 
northern  division  of  the  Continental  Army,  had  been  actively  engaged  in 
preparations  for  the  summer  campaign  in  his  Department.  At  that  time  he 
had  informed  Gene.al  Washington  that  it  would  be  necessary  for  him  to  have 
ten  thousand  additional  troops  to  garrison  Fort  Ticonderoga  and  its  adjacent 
defenses,  and  two  thousand  for  important  points  on  the  Mohawk.  He  was 
making  arrangements,  under  the  direction  and  with  the  assistance  of  Wash- 
ington, to  collect  and  provide  for  as  large  a  portion  of  this  force  as  possible, 
when,  early  in  April,  it  became  necessary  for  him  to  go  to  Philadelphia. 
This  was  in  consequence  of  the  intrigues  of  his  enpmies,  who  had  determined 
that  he  should  rehnquish  the  command  of  the  Northern  Department.  Con- 
gress had  just  before  this  sent  General  Gates  to  resume  the  command  at  Ticon- 


wm 


12 


BATTLE  OF  SABATOOA 


deroga,  and  while  General  Schpyler  was  absent  the  control  of  the  Department 
devolved  upon  Gates. 

General  Schuyler,  as  second  officer  m  rank  in  the  Contir'ectal  Army, 
commanded  the  defenses  of  Philadelphia  while  in  that  city,  and  waa  ener- 
getically engaged  in  that  capacity  ;  he  was  also  a  delegate  to  Congress  from 
New  York.  About  the  last  of  May  resolutions  were  passed  in  Congress 
affording  hm  an  entire  vindication  from  all  charges  brought  again  him,  and 
he  was  given  "  absolute  comuiand  over  every  part  of  the  Northern  Depart- 
ment." 

On  the  3d  of  June  he  arrived  in  Albany  ai.d  resumed  his  command. 
Daring  his  absence  little  had  been  done  to  carry  forward  his  plans  of  defense, 
or  to  increase  the  little  army  that  garrisoned  the  widely  separated  posts  of  the 
command.  The  Mohawk  valley,  always  an  object  of  espocial  care  and  solici- 
tude to  Schuyler,  had  been  wholly  neglected. 

Upon  hif  arrival  in  Albany  he  immediately  wrote  to  General  Herkimer  to 
hold  the  militia  of  Tryon  county  in  readiness  to  repel  any  attack  from  the 
west ;  and  he  renewed  his  efforts  to  quiet  and  conciliate  the  Indians  of  the 
Six  Nations,  with  whom  he  had  great  influence. 

He  was  soon  informed  of  the  movements  of  Burgoyne.  His  first  impres- 
sion waa  that  Burgoyne  would  only  make  a  feint  upon  Ticonderoga,  while  his 
main  army  would  inarch  from  St.  Johns  toward  the  Connecticut  river,  and 
make  an  attempt  upon  the  New  England  States,  who  might  receive  a  simul- 
taneous attack  on  the  sea  coast  from  Lord  Howe.  He  gave  no  time  to  idle 
surmises,  however,  but  liurried  to  Ticonderoga  to  inspect  its  defenses.  The 
additional  works,  projected  at  Mount  Independence,  opposite  Ticonderoga, 
were  incomplete  for  want  of  troops  and  artisans.  Schuyler,  therefore,  went 
to  Lake  George,  whence  he  forwarded  workmen  and  provisions  to  Fort 
Independence,  and  then  returned  to  Albany,  to  hurry  forward  reinforcements 
that  were  hourly  expected  from  Peekskill. 

Hearing  at  this  time  of  Burgoyne's  certain  and  speedy  approach  toward 
Ticonderoga,  he  wrote  most  urgently  to  the  Governor  of  Connecticu*^.  the 
President  of  the  Council  of  Massachusetts,  and  the  various  Committees  of 
Safety,  and  to  Washington,  informing  them  of  the  impending  danger,  and 
asking  for  assistance.  He  also  used  every  exertion  possible  to  collect  the 
militia  of  New  York,  with  which  he  might  advance  at  once  to  aid  St.  Clair, 
whom  he  had  placed  in  command  of  Fort  Ticonderoga.  General  Gates  had 
refused  to  remain  in  the  Department  after  Schuyler's  return,  and  had 
obtained  a  leave  to  return  to  Philadelphia. 


.  w' 


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liATTLK  OP   SARATOOA 


13 


Schuyler's  appeal  for  reinforcements  met  with  a  languid  response.  Wash- 
ington alone  seemed  to  understand  the  urgency  of  his  need,  and  he  could  do 
little  to  augment  Schuyler's  insignificant  army.  He,  however,  appealed  also 
to  the  New  England  States,  urging  upon  them  the  danger  to  their  own 
boundaries  if  Burgoyne  should  gain  any  foothold  in  the  Northern  Depart- 
ment. He  also  ordered  Putnam  at  Peekskill  to  reinforce  Schuyler  with  four 
Massachusetts  regiments. 

At  this  time  the  main  army  under  "Washington  consisted  of  but  seven 
thousand  five  hundred  men,  many  of  them  militia,  whose  terms  of  service 
would  soon  exp're.  With  this  small  fo;  :e,  Washington,  from  the  heights  at 
Middlebrook,  watched  and  baffled  the  movements  of  Lord  Howe,  whose  army, 
assembled  at  Brunswick,  *'  had  not  its  equal  in  the  world." 

Howe's  main  object  was  to  entice  Washington  into  a  general  engagement, 
in  which  the  British  would  have  greatly  the  advantage.  Such  a  victory  would 
not  only  insure  possession  of  Philadelphia,  the  principal  aim  of  Howe's  cam- 
paign, but  would  enable  him  to  co-operate  with  Burgoyne,  which  he  was 
willing  to  do,  if  such  a  movement  covld  be  made  conformable  to  his  own 
plans. 

Washington  was  greatly  perplexed,  and  in  much  anxiety  from  his  inability 
to  solve  the  designs  of  Howe.  Yet,  with  undisturbed  self-possession,  he  con- 
tinued to  hold  the  shifting  army  of  the  enemy  in  check.  It  had  advanced  and 
retreated ;  advanced  again,  and  had  endeavored  to  outflank  him ;  but  finally, 
by  his  untiring  vigilance,  his  inflexible  adherence  to  his  original  purpose  of 
maintaining  his  strong  position  on  the  heights,  and  by  the  harassments  to 
which  he  subjected  the  ease-loving  Lord  Howe,  he  compelled  that  commander 
on  the  30th  of  June  to  evacuate  the  Jerseys  with  his  wnole  army. 

Washington  had  written  to  Schuyler :  "  If  I  can  keep  General  Howe 
below  fhe  ffighlands,  I  think  their  schemes  will  be  entirely  baffled."  Even 
when  Howe  was  known  to  have  sailed  southward,  Waahington  surmised  that 
it  might  be  a  feint  to  draw  him  toward  Philadelphia,  when  Howe  would  re- 
turn and  ascend  the  Hudson. 

It  is  evident  that  the  situation  of  the  Northern  Department  constantly 
occupied  the  attention  of  the  Oomraander-in-Chipf.  When  he  was  assured 
that  Howe  was  in  the  capes  of  the  Delaware,  and  there  was  no  further  doubt 
that  Philadelphia  was  the  point  of  attack,  although  himself  in  great  need  of 
troops  and  efficient  officers,  he  parted  with  Morgan's  Corps  of  five  hindred 
picked  men,  and  sent  Arnold,  of  whose  abilities  as  a  General  he  entertained  a 
high  opinion,  to  assist  the  Array  of  the  North.    He  also  di  ected  General 


mmmmmm 


^mmmmmmmgrnm^^ 


H 


BATTLE  OF"   SARATOGA 


Lincoln,  then  in  New  England,  to  repair  to  Schuyler's  command,  and  advised 
that  he  should  attempt  a  flank  movement  upon  Burgoyne  toward  the  east.  He 
also  addressed  circulars  to  the  Brigadier-Gtenerals  of  Militia  in  Western  Massa- 
chusetts and  Connecticut,  urging  them  to  march  with  a  large  part  of  their 
command  to  Saratoga,  or  otlier  rendezvous  designated  uj  General  Schuyler. 
To  the  latter  he  wrote,  warning  him  against  collecting  large  quantities  of 
ammunition  and  other  stores  in  forts  and  lines  of  defense.  "  I  begin  to  con- 
sider lines,"  he  writes,  "  a  kind  of  trap,  unless  they  are  in  passes  which  cannot 
be  avoided  by  the  enemy." 

We  will  see  how  the  imperfect  lines  of  defense  at  Ticonderoga  came  near 
being  "  a  trap,"  in  which  St.  Clair  and  his  little  army  of  three  thousand  men 
would  have  been  captured  but  for  the  prompt  and  well-considered  plan  of 
retreat  adopted  by  St.  Clair.  If  this  retreat  was  in  some  particulars  disastrous, 
this  misfortune  should  not  reflect  upon  the  commander,  but  on  the  subordi- 
nates, who,  through  negligence  and  officiousness,  marred  his  plan,  and  upon 
the  ill  fortune  that  sometimes  attends  the  best  laid  schemes. 

The  importance  attached  to  the  occupation  of  Ticonderoga  appears  to  have 
been  traditionary,  and  without  sufficient  foundation.  Being  considered  of 
such  importance,  there  seems  to  have  been  strange  neglect  and  want  of  fore- 
sight in  the  various  officers  who  succeeded  each  other  in  its  command.  The 
scattering  and  imperfect  defenses  were  extended  over  more  than  two  miles. 
Sugar  Hill,  "  the  key  of  the  position,"  was  not  occupied.  There  had  been 
repeated  discnssions  among  the  officers  as  to  the  feasibility  of  fortifying  this 
commanding  point.  Colonel  Trumbull,  and  Generals  Wayne  and  Arnold  had 
climbed  the  hill,  which  was  difficult  of  ascent,  to  satisfy  themselves  that  a 
battery  could  be  placed  upon  it.  Major  Stevens,  the  energetic  officer  who 
commanded  the  artillery  at  Ticonderoga,  and  later  all  the  artillery  in  the 
Northern  Department,  had  proved  by  a  practical  experiment  with  one  of  his 
guns  that  it  should  be  occupied. 

Washingto..,  upon  a  report  of  the  defenses  in  the  Northern  Department, 
had  condemned  Fort  Independence,  on  the  opposite  shore  of  the  Lake,  as 
entirely  useless  for  the  purpose  of  checking  an  enemy's  progress  toward  the 
south,  as  it  did  not  command  the  road  to  Lake  George.  Yet  Wayne,  Gates, 
Schuyler  ana  St.  Clair  were  equally  agreed  in  considering  it  necessary  to  hold 
Ticonderoga  and  strengthen  Mount  Independence,  and  were  equally  negligent 
in  leaving  Sugar  Hill  exposed  to  the  adversary.  The  scantiness  of  the  gar- 
rison, tlie  contentions  among  its  commanders,  and  the  final  unexpected 
rapidity  of  Burgoyne's  {vdvance,  may  partly  explain  the  apparent  want  cf 


i 


BATTLK  OF   SARATOGA 


15 


sound  military  judgment  that  caused  this  fortress  to  fall  like  ripe  fruit  into 
the  hands  of  the  invader. 

An  old  entrenchment  on  the  road  to  Lake  George  was  also  neglected  by 
the  Americans;  and  when  Burgoyne  made  his  appearance  before  Ticonderoga 
on  the  4th  of  July,  this  position  was  immediately  seized  upon  by  General 
Frazer,  and  named  Mount  Hope,  as  signiiicant  of  future  success, 

Burgoyne  had  lingered  a  few  days  at  Crown  Point,  and  there  on  the  30th 
of  June  he  issued  the  famous  order,  containing  these  words :  "  This  army 
must  not  retreat"  On  the  following  morning  he  moved  forward  in  battle 
array.  The  German  battalions  formed  the  left  wing,  and  advanced  on  the  east 
side  of  the  lake  until  they  camped  in  front  of  Mount  Independence.  General 
Frazer  led  the  right  wing  ,,n  the  west  side,  and  the  floating  batteries  moved  in 
unison  between.  On  the  4th  of  July,  when  Frazer  had  occrpied  Mount 
Hope,  General  Phillips  took  possession  of  the  mills  at  the  outlet  of  Lake 
George,  and  on  the  same  day  sent  Lieutenant  Twiss  to  reconnoitre  Sugar  Hill. 
Satisfied  from  his  report  that  a  battery  could  be  placed  upon  it,  he  only  waited  ■ 
for  darkness  to  carry  out  his  design.  The  guns  were  then  hoisted  from  tree  to 
tree  with  heavy  ropes,  and,  writes  Anburey,  "  General  Phillips  urged  the  work 
forward  with  the  same  vehemence  with  which  he  drove  his  artillery  at  the 
battle  of  Minden,  when  he  is  said  to  have  broken  fifteen  canes  over  the 
horses," 

On  the  morning  of  July  5th  St.  Clair  awoke  to  see,  in  the  early  dawn,  the 
red-coats  busy  on  the  summit  of  Sugar  Hill,  planting  a  battery  seven  hundred 
feet  above  him,  from  which  point  they  could  observe  every  movement  within 
the  fort.  He  recognized  the  danger,  and  immediately  called  a  council  of 
officers.  They  unanimously  agreed  that  the  evacuation  of  Forts  Ticonderoga 
and  Independence  was  imperative,  or  a  surrender  would  soon  be  inevitable. 

St.  Clair,  quietly  and  expeditiously,  made  arrangements  to  begin  the 
retreat  on  the  same  night.  The  troops  were  permitted  to  believe  that  a  sortie 
was  intended,  and  firing  was  continued  through  the  day  to  deceive  the  enemy. 
Above  the  floating  bridge  that  connected  the  forts  a  boom  had  been  placed  to 
obstruct  the  navigation  of  the  lake.  It  was  supposed  that  this  would  delay 
the  British  gunboats,  so  that  the  American  batteaux  might  reach  Skenes- 
borough  in  safety.  As  soon  as  darkness  rendered  it  discreet,  the  wounded  and 
women,  together  with  the  stores  and  ammunition,  were  embarked  on  two 
himdred  of  these  batteaux.  They  were  escorted  by  five  armed  galleys  and  six 
hundred  men,  under  the  command  of  Colonel  Long.  It  was  a  bright  moon- 
light night,  but  they  got  under  way  in  safety  ;  as  they  proceeded  leisurely  up 


r 


16 


BArrLK   OK   RARATOOA 


the  lake,  they  indulged  in  much  merriment  and  exultation  over  their  quiet 
and  expeditious  escape. 

St,  Clair,  with  the  main  body  of  the  troops,  also  passed  safely  and  undis- 
covered over  the  floating  bridge,  where  they  were  joined  by  the  garrison  from 
Mount  Independence.  All  vera  under  full  retreat,  when,  most  unfortunately, 
the  house  that  had  been  occupied  as  headquarters  by  General  de  I'ertnois,  wlio 
commanded  Independence,  was  fired,  and  the  brilliant  flames  lighted  up  the 
entire  columns  of  the  retreatmg  forces.  The  British  sentinels  immediately 
gave  the  alarm.  By  day-break  the  British  flag  floated  over  both  forts,  and  in 
a  few  hours  General  Frazer  was  in  close  pursuit  of  the  Americans. 

On  the  morning  of  the  7th  Frazer's  Indian  scouts  came  upon  the  rear 
guard  of  St.  Clair's  army,  under  Colonels  Warner  and  Francis,  at  Hubbardton. 
General  Frazer  made  an  impetuous  attack,  v^hich  Warren  resisted  with  great 
spirit.  He  was  nobly  seconded  by  Colonel  Francis,  who  three  times  charged 
the  enemy  at  the  head  of  his  regiment.  On  one  of  these  occasions  his  men 
came  into  action  singing  the  hymns  familiar  to  them  in  their  village  churches. 
This  induced  the  British  to  believe  that  reinforcements  had  arrived;  they  were 
yielding  ground  when  General  Riedesel,  who  had  been  awaiting  the  arrival  of 
his  grenadiers  for  two  houi-s  with  great  impatience,  now  brought  them  forward 
with  colors  flying,  while  they  sang  the  resonant  battle  hymns  of  the  Germans. 
Under  the  first  onslaught  with  their  bayonets,  Colonel  Francis  fell,  fatally 
wounded,  and  the  exhausted  Americans  were  compelled  to  leave  the  field. 
They  had  crippled  the  enemy  sufficiently  to  check  further  pursuit,  and  had 
caused  them  heavy  losses  of  men  and  officers.  Among  the  wounded  was 
Major  Ackland,  whose  painful  walk  afterwards  down  the  steep,  wooded  hill, 
upon  which  the  battle  was  fought,  is  touchingly  related  by  the  officer  who 
assisted  him.  It  was  in  consequence  of  this  wound  that  Lady  Ackland  shortly 
afterward  joined  him  at  Skenesborough. 

While  the  contest  was  in  progress  at  Hubbardton,  St.  Clair  ordered  Colonel 
Hale  with  his  regiment  to  reinforce  Warner  and  Francis.  Hale  disobeyed 
orders,  and  with  his  men  was  soon  afterwards  captured  by  the  enemy.  St. 
Clair,  hearing  now  that  Burgoyne  had  possession  of  Skenesborough,  pushed 
into  the  woods  eastward,  and  made  a  circuitous  route  to  Fort  Edward,  where 
he  arrived  on  the  12th. 

The  batteaux  of  the  American  flotilla  from  Ticonderoga  had  just  touched 
at  Skenesborough,  when  heavy  firing  was  heard  in  their  rear.  The  British 
had  speedily  disposed  of  the  obstructing  boom  and  followed  the  fiotilla  up  the 
lake.    The  Americans,  confused  and  panic-stricken,  abandoned  all  the  stores 


I 


1 


WOMEN   OF   THP:    REVOLUTION,  1776. 

Interior  of  Saratoga  Monument. 


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BATTLR  OF   8ABATOOA 


t; 


thev  had  brought  with  so  much  care,  and  fled  towards  Fort  Anuc      Before 
IvC  th  r'  t  tire  to  the  houses,  mills  and   other  buildings  at   Skenes 
homni    ihe  flames  spread  into  the  pine  forests  on  the  surrounding  hills, 
wS  1^  till  Sh  approached,  presented  a  scene  of  unsurpassing  grandeur 

^" V^retLg  fon.e  separated,  one  party  making  its  way  through  Wood 
C  Jk  and  the  remainder, 'under  Colonel  Long,  pushing  through  tW^ods  to 
Fort  Anne  where  he  determined  to  make  a  stand.  When  the  British 
fplathed  he  returned  to  meet  them,  and  posted  his  regiment  on  a  narrow 
Sway  near  Wood  Creek.  As  the  British  advanced  he  opened  fire  upon 
Crind  shifting  his  troops  from  side  to  side  of  the  creek  so  haro^ed  a^ 

confused  them  that  they  were  f^^^^^  *' *'^' 'f  ^  1  nf  i!ir  ofl^^ers  ^^^^^ 
Here  they  were  closely  besieged  for  two  hours.  Several  of  thei  ofhcers  were 
woi'nded  and  carried  into  a  log-house  whose  walls  were  frequently  penetrated 
The  American  rifle-balls;  while  lying  there  these  officers  commented  with 
surprise  upon  the  daring  and  endurance  of  the  rebels,  -^^  ^-^f^^  W 
thev  here  encountered  for  the  first  time.  When  Colonel  Long  s  1  tie  baid 
wt^pon  the  very  verge  of  victory,  there  suddenly  sounded  through  the  forest, 
Tevery  sMe,  the  terrible  war-whoop  of  the  savages  as  t^iey  advanced  by 
hundreds  to  reinforce  the  British.  The  Americans  hurriedly  secured  their 
p'so'efs,  a^^^^^^^^^^      their  wounded,  left  the  hill  and  continued  their  retreat 

*"  ZingTe'first  days  of  July,  General  Schuyler  had  waited  in  Albany 
witW    a!  impatiencc'the  arrival  of  reinforcements  from  the  HigWands^n 
Ae  7th  they  had  not  nrrived.  and  leaving  orders  for  them  to  follow,  he  started 
lorth  with  the  small  force  he  had  collected,  about  f  een  hun  red  m^.    M 
Stillwater  he  was  met  with  the  astounding  intelligence  th.t  St.  Clair  had 
aballnedFoX  Ticonderoga  and  Independence  without  striking  a  blow  m 
LTr  defense,  and  hurrying  on  to  Fort  Edward  he  met  Long  who  could  giv 
him  no  account  of  St.  Clair  and  his  army.    Fears  were  entertamed  tha    he 
had  been  ovTlken  and  compelled  to  sur.nder.     After  a  mystenous  disap- 
™ce  of  seven  days,  St.  Clair  joined  Schuyler  at  Fort  ^w-d>s  ^^^^ 
higgard  and  worn  with  their  exhausting  march,  but  safe  and  resolute  for 

''^iLl^^^Sortunes  in  the  beginning  of  the  campaign  involved  a  heavy  l^ss 
of  Ornery,  small  arms,  and  stores  of  all  kinds;  the  consternation  of  the 
IS  who'fled  before  Burgoyne  seem  still  more  dis^trous,  and  Schuyler's 
foSude  and  composure  were  most  severely  tried.     He  was  sustained  and 


^p^m«i 


npp 


I8 


BATTLK   OK    SARATOGA 


H     I 


i 


onconraged  by  conRtant  despatches  from  Wasliingtoii,  wlio  writes  at  one  time: 
"  We  should  never  despair.  If  new  difticnlties  arise  wo  must  only  put  forth 
new  exertions;"  and  again  he  expresses  an  earnest  sympathy  for  Schuyler 
amid  these  thickening  ditficultios,  and  manifests  liis  unwavering  confidence  in 
his  ability  to  overcome  them.  With  unflagging  energy  Schuyler  exerted 
himself  to  delay  the  enemy  while  endeavoring  to  collect  a  sufficient  force  to 
meet  him  with  some  i-easonable  prospect  of  success. 

Burgoyue  now  had  his  headquarters  at  the  house  of  a  noted  loyalist,  Colonel 
Skene ;  the  victories  he  anticipated  appeared  to  fall  into  his  hands  as  the 
natural  result  of  liis  well-laid  schemes.  The  frightened  patriots  trembled  at 
his  approach,  and  Colonel  Skene  assured  him  that  hundreds  of  loyalists  were 
waiting  for  an  opportunity  to  join  his  advancing  army.  Sken<)  was  an  old 
resident,  a  large  land  owner,  and  was  supposed  to  exert  an  extended  influence  ; 
much  weight  was  therefore  attached  to  his  opinion. 

Bui  joy  ne  was  greatly  elated,  and  on  the  tenth  of  July  ordered  a  Thanks- 
giving service  to  be  read  "  at  the  head  of  the  line,  and  at  the  head  of  the 
Advanced  Corps,  and  at  sun-set  on  the  same  day,  a  feu  de  joie  to  be  fired 
with  cannon  and  small  arms  at  Ticonderoga,  Crown  Point,  Skenesborough 
and  Castleton." 

Ho  had  now  reached  the  close  of  the  "  first  period  of  this  campaign,"  as 
he  divided  it  in  his  "  State  of  the  Expedition,"  written  after  his  return  to 
England.  These  throe  divisions  we  may  appropriately  consider,  from  an 
artistic  point  of  view,  as  the  three  acts  in  this  great  drama.  The  second  one 
extended  from  this  time  to  Burgoyne's  passage  across  the  Hudson  river,  near 
the  Batten  Kill,  on  the  thirteenth  of  September. 

General  Schuyler  remained  at  Fort  Edward  until  he  had  effectually 
obstructed  the  pathway  from  Skenesborough,  where  Burgoyne  now  lingered. 
Huge  stones  were  rolled  into  Wood  Creek,  and  trees  felled  across  it ;  bridges 
were  destroyed,  and  the  forests  leveled  across  the  roads.  The  surrounding 
country  was  stripped  of  forage  and  the  cattle  driven  oflf,  so  that  the  enemy 
would  be  compelled  to  rely  upon  his  base  of  operations  for  provisions ;  this 
proved  a  serious  obstacle  to  Burgoyne's  advance.  Having  accomplished  these 
purposes,  Schuyler  fell  back  to  Fort  Miller,  on  the  east  side  of  the  river,  and 
again  paused  to  destroy  tlie  road  over  which  he  had  just  passed.  He  then 
retreated  to  Stillwater,  and  reinforcements  coming  in  but  slowly,  he  finally 
encamped  his  Httle  army  near  the  mouths  of  the  Mohawk,  but  maintained  his 
headquarters  at  Stillwater. 

At  Skenesborough  Burgoyne   first  faced  the  difficulties  of  his  position. 


RATTLK  OF   SARATOGA 


'9 


Hia  force  was  reduced  in  order  to  garrison  the  forts  already  takou,  Carleton 
having  refused  to  send  troops  for  that  purpose.  In  preparing  to  marcli 
through  an  unfamiliar  wilderness,  he  found  that  the  necessity  of  carrying 
provisions  and  dragging  artillery,  while  engaged  in  cutting  a  passage  and 
constructing  roads,  would  seriously  retard  his  progress.  Ho  was  not  dis- 
couraged, but  pushed  on  vigorously.  The  troops  suffered  greatly  during 
their  severe  labors  from  the  excessive  heat  and  innumerable  insects.  It  was, 
therefore,  with  a  feeling  of  intense  relief  that  they  arrived  at  Fort  Edward 
on  the  thirteenth  of  July.  Both  officers  and  men  were  inspired  with  enthu- 
siasm upon  thus  obtaining  their  firct  sight  of  the  Hudson  River,  so  long  the 
object  of  their  desires  and  hopes. 

Burgoyne  remained  here,  and  at  Duer's  House,  not  far  distant,  until 
September  10th,  his  difficulties  and  preplexities  constantly  increasing.  His 
requisition  for  horses  and  wagons,  upon  which  his  army  was  so  dependent, 
had  been  imperfectly  filled.  It  seemed  impossible  to  accumulate  sufficient 
provisions  for  a  long  and  rapid  march.  Instead  of  the  friendly  and  helpful 
inhabitants  who  he  imagined  would  flock  to  his  quarters,  there  was  abso- 
lute coldness  on  the  part  of  the  inhabitants,  or  the  desolation  of  deserted 
homes.  His  Indian  allies  were  insubordinate  and  troublesome,  and  soon  the 
murder  of  J  ane  McCrea  by  a  party  of  these  savages  aroused  and  intensified 
the  hostile  feeling  of  the  Colonists.  His  own  humane  and  honorable  senti- 
ments were  shocked  and  disgusted  by  this  incident.  It  was  impossible  for 
him  to  dispense  with  the  services  of  these  wild  creatures,  from  whom  so 
much  was  expected  by  the  Home  Government.  He  satisfied  himself  by 
imposing  stringent  orders  upon  their  nvovements.  This  created  a  general 
discontent,  and  they  soon  began  to  desert  him  by  hundreds.  In  the  midst  of 
these  anxieties  he  received  intelligence  of  the  arrival  of  St.  Leger  before 
Fort  Stanwix. 

According  to  his  original  plan,  he  must  now  move  immediately  down  the 
river  to  co-operate  with  St.  Leger,  or  at  least  make  a  diversion  in  his  favor. 
An  expedition  was  therefore  proposed  that,  it  was  thought,  would  answer 
many  important  purposes.  Burgoyne  was  informed  by  Colonel  Skene  that 
at  Bennington  the  Americans  had  collected  many  horses,  and  large  stores 
of  every  kind  for  the  use  of  the  northern  army.  Skene  also  reiterated  his 
assurances  concerning  the  loyalists,  who  would,  by  such  a  movement,  secure 
the  opportunity  for  which  they  waited  to  join  the  British  army.  So  confident 
were  the  officers  of  the  truth  of  these  statements  of  Skene,  that  when  the 
Americans  of  Stark's  command   came   creeping  around  the  flanks  of  the 


ao 


nATTT.R  OF  RARATOOA 


I 


Britiflh  at  Donnington  for  tli«ir  tirHt  attack,  they  wero  allowud  to  advance 
under  tlie  impruMiion  that  they  wore  loyaliHtfl,  whu  thus  nought  ac;ceHti  to  the 
BritiHh  camp.  Tliia  expedition  was  hIbo  intended  to  mislead  Schuyler  into 
the  belief  tliat  New  England  wiw  the  object  of  Burgoyne's  efforts. 

Colonel  Baiiiii  waa  aent  with  u  body  of  German  grenadiers,  English  marks- 
men, Canadians  and  Indiana,  to  make  an  attack  upon  Bennington,  and  secure 
the  much  needed  horses  and  pi^/viaions.  He  set  out  on  the  IHth  of  August, 
and  so  eager  was  General  Burgoyne  in  regard  to  the  success  of  this  enterpriae 
that  he  rode  after  Bautn  to  impress  his  orders  upon  him  verbally. 

The  people  of  Bennington  were  apprised  of  Baum*s  approach.  It  hap- 
pened, fortunately,  that  General  Stark  had  refused  to  leave  his  neighborhood 
and  join  General  Schuyler  at  Stillwater,  having  recently  received  a  slight 
from  Congress,  which  seems  indeed  to  have  had  a  disposition  to  ignore  or 
wound  the  most  active  officers  of  the  Continental  Army.  Stark  immediately 
called  out  the  militia,  and  rallied  his  brigade ;  he  also  dispatched  a  message  to 
General  Lincoln,  at  Manchester,  to  forward  reinforcements.  On  the  morning 
of  the  14th  he  marched  out  of  Bennington.  When  about  six  miles  on  the 
road,  he  encountered  the  British,  and  a  sharp  skirmish  took  place,  in  which 
several  of  the  enemy  were  killed  and  wounded.  Baum  now  posted  himself 
on  a  hill,  and  began  t(  entrench  his  cam}  while  he  sent  a  messenger  to  Bur- 
goyne for  reinf orcemt  nts.  A  hi  ivy  rain  prevented  an  engagement  on  the 
fifteenth,  but  there  wis  constant  skirmishing.  The  New  Englanders,  now 
thoroughly  aroused  to  he  danger  of  invasion,  flocked  hurriedly  and  in  large 
numbers  to  the  American  car  "'.p. 

On  the  morning  ot  the  16th  a  bright  sun  dispersed  all  threatening  clouds, 
and  Stark,  although  without  artillery  or  bayonets,  prepared  to  attack  Baum  in 
liis  entrenchments.  He  sent  a  detachment  to  the  rear  of  the  enemy's  left,  and 
another  to  the  rear  of  his  right.  Simultaneously  with  the  attack  from  these 
divisions.  Stark,  ai  he  head  of  his  column,  exclaimed :  "  There  are  the  red- 
coats ;  before  v'^nf  chey  must  be  ours,  or  Molly  Stark's  a  widow,"  and  rushed 
upon  the  entrenc'.ments  with  impetuous  fury.  The  Germans  defended  their 
works  steadily  and  bravely,  but  the  Canadians  and  Indians  were  soon  driven 
in  upon  them ;  and  the  Americans  pressing  up  to  the  veiy  mouth  of  the 
cannon,  continued  the  contest  with  a  frenzied  determination.  They  cap- 
tured   the   i;uns,  and    forced    the  Provincials  and  Indians  to  retreat 


pre- 


cipitously. The  Germans  had  now  exhausted  their  ammunition;  they 
resorted  to  their  bayonets  and  broad-swords,  and  attempted  a  retreat 
through   the  woods.     The  Americans  pursued  hotly ;    many  of  the  enemy 


BATTLE   or   S'RATOOA 


ai 


were  killed  and   wounded,   among   the    former   Coloael     Bauin.      AU   who 
•urvived  were  taken  prisoners- 

At  this  critical  moment  Colonel  Breyman  came  upon  the  ground  with  his 
Germans  and  renewed  the  attack  upon  Stark's  oxhatisted  foruefl.  Colonel 
Warner  now  arrived  from  Bennington  with  his  regiment,  fresh  and  vigorous. 
It  was  late  in  the  afternoon  when  this  necond  cation  began  ;  it  was  continued 
until  dark,  tlu!  onuiny  retreating  slowly,  and  making  a  stand  from  place  > 
place.  Stiirk  followed  up  hi«  victor'  lui  long  uh  tliere  waH  ii  ray  of  light  to 
expose  the  enemy.  "Another  ho'ir  of  daylight,  and  he  would  have  captured 
the  whole  body."  Breyman  continued  his  retreat  under  cover  of  the  night, 
leaving  his  baggage  and  artillery  in  the  hands  of  the  Americans. 

This  victory,  so  complete  and  inspiriting  to  the  Americans,  was  equally 
disastrous  and  disheat'tening  to  the  British.  Like  the  glorious  sunshiiie  of 
that  summer  day,  it  ripened  the  growing  fruit  of  patriotism  in  the  hearts  of 
the  colonists;  and  like  the  droary  night  tliat  followed  it,  shadowed  the 
despondency  of  the  English,  and  made  darker  the  forebodings  that  began  to 
cluster  around  the  anxious  heart  of  Burgoyne.  Its  practical  results  were  an 
acquisition  of  one  thoummd  stand  of  arms,  and  many  field-pieces.  Nearly 
six  hundred  privates  and  thirty-two  officers  were  made  prisoners  of  war. 

In  the  meantime,  on  the  3d  of  August,  St.  Leger  had  appeared  before 
Fort  Stanwix  and  demanded  its  surrender.  Colonel  Gansevoort  paying  no 
attention  t^  this  summons,  St.  IjCgor  began  to  fortify  his  camp,  and  bring 
forward  liis  artillery  through  Wood  Creek,  preparatory  to  a  regular  siege. 
He  also  sent  detachments  in  various  directions  to  cut  off  the  garrison  from  the 
sjirrounding  country. 

General  Herkimer,  acting  under  Schuyler's  orders,  was  advancing  to  the 
relief  of  Colonel  Gansevoort ;  he  sent  messengers  to  apprise  that  commander 
of  his  approach,  and  directed  that  signal  guns  should  be  f.i-ed  upon  the  arrival 
of  the  men  in  the  fort ;  a  sortie  was  to  be  made  at  the  same  time,  and  under 
this  diversion  he  would  hasten  forward.  The  messengers  were  delayed  many 
hours  on  the  road,  and  the  officers  under  Herkimer  became  impatient  for  an 
iuivance.  Herkimer  urged  the  necessity  of  waiting  for  'the  preconcerted 
signal,  but  in  vain ;  the  officers  continued  their  unreasonable  appeals,  and 
finally  taunting  him  with  cowardice  or  disloyalty,  impelled  hiiii  to  a  move- 
ment that  his  judgment  did  not  approve. 

Brant,  who  led  the  Indians  under  St.  Leger,  was  informed  by  his  sister  of 
Herkimer's  approach.     An  ambuscade  was  planned.     While  Herkimer's  van 
guard  was    crossing  a  ravine  on  a   narrow  causeway,  near  Oriskany,   the 


■W" 


mssm 


■ ! 


22 


BATTLB   07  8ABAT0GA 


concealed  Indians  suddenly  assailed  them  on  either  side,  and  a  desperate 
contest  endued.  It  lasted  several  hours,  the  Americans  defending  them- 
selves with  resolute  bravery,  and  the  Indians  killing  the  wounded  and 
prisoners  like  veritable  demons  of  the  forest.  Herkimer  was  seriously 
wounded,  but  had  himself  propped  against  a  tree  and  continued  to  give  his 
orders  and  urge  on  his  ti'oopa.  British  regulars  were  brought  on  the  field, 
who  repeatedly  charged  with  the  bayonet,  but  were  steadily  repulsed. 

A  heavy  rain  checked  the  contest,  but  it  was  soon  renewed  more  des- 
perately  than  ever,  and  became  ono  of  the  most  terrific  hand  to  hand  fights 
of  the  war.  Johnson's  Royal  Greenb  found  opportunity  to  gratify  many 
long-cberished  animosities,  as  their  opponents  were  their  old  neighbors  of  the 
Valley,  and  the  Indians  were  excited  to  unusual  ferocity.  These  last  were 
finally  driven  back,  artd  fled,  and  their  supporters  hearing  firing  in  their  rear 
returned  to  their  camp. 

While  this  contest  was  in  progress,  the  messengers  had  reached  Gan- 
sevoort,  who  ordered  a  sortie  upon  the  enemy's  camp.  This  was  successful, 
and  the  whole  camp  equipage  and  stores  of  the  Loyalists  were  secured  and 
brought  into  the  fort. 

Congress  had  just  adopted  the  Stars  and  Stripes  as  the  National  ensign. 

One  of  the  officers  at  Fort  Stanwix  now  made  an  American  flag  of  a 
white  shirt  and  some  bits  of  red  cloth ;  tlie  blue  field  was  made  of  an  over- 
coat belonging  to  Oaptaiu  Swartout,  of  Dutchess  County.  This  uncouth 
emblem  wus  the  first  American  flag  that  waved  over  a  British  standard ;  the 
colors  just  captured  at  the  British  camp  being  placed  in  this  ignoble 
position. 

St.  Leger  now  caused  exaggerated  accounts  of  the  American  losses  at 
Oriskany  to  be  sent  into  the  fort,  and  again  demanded  a  surrender.  Ganse- 
voort  again  treated  the  summons  with  contempt,  when  St.  Leger  pressed  the 
siege  and  advanced  his  lines. 

On  the  tenth  two  officers  were  dispatched  by  Gansevoort  to  make  their 
way  through  the  lines,  and  obtain  assistance  from  Schuyler.  At  great  risk, 
and  after  enduring  many  hardships,  they  reached  Stillwater.  Schuyler  wished 
to  respond  immediately  to  this  demand,  but  many  of  his  officers  objected ; 
they  urged  the  imprudence  of  lessening  the  force  with  which  Burgoyne's 
army  must  be  met.  Schuyler  felt  justly  indignant  with  this  selfish  disregard 
of  the  critical  situation  of  the  heroic  Gansevooit.  He  assumed  the  entire 
reeponsibility  of  forwarding  a  detachment,  and  Arnold  volunteered  his 
services  for  its  command.     He  was  soon  in  the  valley  of  the  Mohawk  with 


!"■    ~T 


BATTLE   OF   SARATOGA 


23 


spirit  which  reaehed  forward  in  eager  devices  to  foil  the  enemy,  and  encour- 
age the  besieged.  He  dispatched  messengers  to  Gansevoort,  assuring  him  of 
relief  and  witli  great  adroitness  caused  rumors  of  the  advance  of  a  larffe 
force  to  be  circulated  in  St.  Leger's  camp.  These  rumors  were  repeated  and 
exaggerated,  until  the  Indian  allies  became  alarmed  and  ungovernable.  They 
seized  upon  the  blankets  and  other  effects  of  the  British  officers,  and  com 

him,  left  11,3  camp,  and  followed  his  retreating  alhas,  abandoning  hie  guns 
and  baggage  to  the  exultant  patriots,  who  were  now  relieved  of  all  apprehen- 
sion^   Arnold  was  fory  miles  from  Stanwix  at  this  time,  and  upon  hearing 

ler%i:;Ter"  ' ''  *'^  ^"'^^''  "*^"^' ""'  ^*^p«  *^  ^^'^  *^«  -™' 

This  arniy  was  rapidly  increaaing;  the  long  expected  regiments  from  the 
Highlands  had  arrived;  the  New  York  Militia  had  rallied  nobly;  and  the 
New  Englanders  excited  by  the  victory  .t  Bennington,  were  on  their  way  to 
the  camp  with  their  jubilant  brigades;  Arnold,  with  an  augmented  division 
was  approaching     The  country  was  buoyant  with  hope-an  exaggerated  reac- 
tion .iter  the  depression  of  the  early  summer.     Schuyler  was  at  last  in  a 
position  to  begin  offensive  operations;  he  might  now  see  the  development  of 
las  well  laid  schemes ;  he  would  soon  be  able  to  point  exultantly  to  the  result 
of    us  toil,  his  patience,  to  the  unappreciated  difficulties  no.,  conquered 
Such  we  may  imagine  General  Schuyler's  thoughts,  as  he  sprang  on  his  horse 
one  bright  morning  in  August,  at  the  door  of  his  stately  mansion  in  Albany 
when  about  to  meet  his  officers  for  a  consultation  in  regard  to  an  advance 
movement  of  his  army.     As  his  charger  moved  restlessly  under  the  rein,  an 
officer  approached  with  an  official  document.     Schuyler,  evci  on  the  alert 
checked  his  horse  to  examine  the  dispatch.     It  contained  the  resolutions  of 
Congress  that  deprived  him  of  his  command.     This,  in  the  f"..«  of  the  enemy 
and  at  the  turning  point  of  his  fortunes  ! 

A  momentary  movement  of  the  lip,  and  a  lifting  of  the  eyebrows 
-then  a  deepening  of  the  firm  lines  about  the  mouth,  were  the  only 
signs  of  suppressed  emotion.  With  a  graceful  bow  to  the  waiting 
officer,  the  deeply  injured  Commander  rode  quietly  on  to  his  head- 
quarters. When  surrounded  by  his  officers  he  explained  the  dispatch,  and 
simp^  said:  "Until  the  country  is  in  safety,  I  shall  stilie  my  resentment." 
He  kept  his  word,  and  with  unremitting  energy  continued  to  perform 
the  arduous  duties  of  his  command,  until  his  successor  arrived.      In  a  few 


Tlr 


■/»iiiiwni«nwil«  im.iiUJiwii  tmmmtPm 


tm 


M<riiiii»ifi"iiVftiin 


■MhailMi 


34  BATTLE   OF    8AKAT0OA 

days  this  successor,  Q«neral  Gates,  appeared  at  head-quarters,  where  he 
was  received  and  entertained  by  General  Schuyler  with  unexampled  mag- 
nanimity and  dignity. 

Kosciusko,  the  Polish  engineer,  was  sent  by  General  Gates  to  reconnoitre 
and  select  a  position  for  the  proposed  advance  camp  of  the  Americans.  He 
decided  that  Bemis  Heights,  four  miles  above  Stillwater,  was  the  most  favor- 
able point.  The  army  was  soon  afterward  encamped  at  that  pla(!e,  and  a  line 
of  entrenchments  constructed  for  its  defense. 

The  defeat  of  Baum,  and  the  failure  of  St.  Leger,  by  successive  strokes, 
had  paralyzed  the  right  and  left  anus  of  Burgoyne's  force,  and  he  now  strug- 
gled forward  with  the  maimed  body  of  his  army,  amid  ever  thickening 
danger.  Yet  undismayed,  he  assiduously  endeavored  to  carry  out  his  original 
design,  and  obey  the  orders  of  Germaine  and  th«}  Ki  .o'  Having  collected 
provisions  for  a  thirty  days'  march,  he  dispatched  i  i.*  ger  to  New  York 
with  entreaties  for  a  movement  to  be  made  from  that  direction.  He  then  left 
Duer's  House,  and  moved  his  army  steadily  forward  to  Batten  Kill,  where  he 
encamped  on  the  night  of  the  twelfth  of  September.  Finding  that  his 
officers  wore  reluctant  to  cross  the  river,  he  assumed  the  entire  responsibility 
himself,  and  on  the  13th  and  14th  passed  the  whole  army  over  the  Hudson  on 
a  bridge  of  boats,  enforcing  his  order,  "  This  ft-ioy  must  not  retreat."  They 
continued  their  march  down  the  river,  and  encamped  on  the  north  side  of 
Fish  Creek.  Here,  in  sight  of  Old  Saratoga,  which  lay  on  the  south  side  of 
the  stream,  closed  the  "  second  period  of  the  campaign,"  and  with  dramatic 
propriety  the  curtain  falls  upon  another  act,  which  in  its  progress  has  already 
indicated  the  direction  of  coming  events. 

Here  also,  on  the  night  of  the  i  -ith  of  September,  Burgoyne's  encamp- 
ment rested  on  the  very  spot  where,  a  few  weeks  later,  his  sr  n»ler  took 
place.  This  place  was  several  miles  above  the  battle-field  of  I  .  :N  Reights. 
From  a  hill  on  the  east  side  of  the  Hudson,  Colonel  Colbur-',  .  '  ■'^  'yonti- 
nental  Army,  reconnoitred  this  camp.  Perched  in  the  forks  01  a  t.  '^  ee,  he 
counted  through  his  field-glass  eight  hundred  tents ;  watched  the  army  prepare 
for  and  start  on  its  forward  march,  and  then  has^^ened  to  Stillwater  to  make 
his  report  to  G^tes. 

Burgoyne's  orders  at  this  time  prove  the  intensity  of  his  anxiety,  his 
constant  anticipation  of  an  attack,  and  his  determination  to  press  on  at  all 
hazards.  On  the  fourteenth  of  September,  they  read,  "  During  the  next 
marches  of  the  army,  the  corps  are  to  move  in  such  a  state  as  to  be  fit  for 
instant  action.     It  is  a  standing  order  for  the  rest  of  the  campaign,  that  all 


*  T 


where  he 
)led  mag- 

5Connoitre 
cans.  He 
ost  favor- 
and  a  line 

e  strokes, 
low  strug- 
hickening 
IB  original 

collected 
few  York 
i  then  left 
where  he 

that  his 
)onBibility 
[ndson  on 
"  They 
bh  side  of 
th  side  of 

dramatic 
as  already 

I  encamp- 
i*ler  took 
ITeights. 
'  :^  r^onti- 
it  ^e,  he 
ly  pieparc 
r  to  make 

xiety,  his 
on  at  all 
the  next 
be  fit  for 

n,  that  all 


n~"*~'  ■  ^  III  li  t  •  ttliJimm^mtm 


GENERAL  SCHUYLER  TRANSFERRING  HIS  COMMAND  TO  GENERAL  GATES. 

IiUi'rior  cif  Saratnjja  Motuinieiit. 


BATTLE   OF   SARATOGA 


25 


pickets  and  guards  ai^e  under  arms  an  hour  before  daylight,  and  remain  bo 
until  it  is  completely  light." 

On  the  fifteenth  ho  says,  "  The  army  are  to  march  in  three  columns  after 
having  passed  Schuyler's  house — The  provisions  to  be  floated  down  under  the 
care  of  Captain  Brown — The  hospitals  to  move  as  quick  as  carts  can  be 
provided  for  them — The  bridge  to  bo  broke  up  and  floated  down  immediately 
after  the  army  is  marched."  And  later  in  the  day,  at  Dovogat,  "  The  whole 
line  to  lie  accoutred  to-night." 

Here,  at  Dovogat,  he  remained  two  days,  while  his  working  parties 
repaired  bridges  and  otherwise  cleared  the  way  for  his  artillery  and  baggage. 
Quietness  and  gloom  hung  about  the  heavy  columns  of  his  army.  No  drums 
were  beat  or  trumpets  sounded  ;  mysteriously,  laboriously  and  persistently 
this  strictly  disciplined  army  was  held  to  its  course  by  the  dogged  determina- 
tion and  the  impelling  will  of  its  commander.  Orders  were  rigid  and  imperi- 
ous. "  The  first  soldier  caught  beyond  the  advance  sentries  of  the  army  will 
be  instantly  hung.  The  baggage  will  remain  loaded,  as  the  army  will  march 
as  soon  as  the  bridges  are  repaired ; "  and  at  Sword's  house  on  the  seventeenth, 
his  orders  read,  "  The  whole  army  to  lie  accoutred,  and  be  under  arms  before 
daybreak,  and  continue  so  until  it  clears  up." 

The  position  chosua  for  t.13  American  camp,  where  Gates  had  determine(f 
to  await  an  attack,  was  on  a  spur  of  hills  that  approached  the  river  bank.  At 
their  base,  on  the  river,  stood  lismis'  house,  used  by  Gates  as  head-quarters 
for  a  few  days ;  he  afterwards  moved  on  the  hill.  Earthworks  were  thrown 
across  the  narrow  meadow  between  the  hill  and  the  river ;  they  covered  the 
old  road,  and  the  bridge  of  boats  communicating  with  the  east  side  of  the 
Hudson.  The  heights  were  to  the  north  and  west.  Breastworks  wore  pro- 
jected toward  the  north,  ii'  a  serai-circle,  for  three-quarters  of  a  mile. 
Redoubts  were  established  at  intervals.  A  barn  built  of  heavy  logs,  belong- 
ing to  the  Ncilson  farm,  which  lay  within  the  works,  wiis  converted  into  a 
rude  but  strong  fortification.  A  thickly  wooded  ravine  formed  a  natural 
defense  along  the  front  of  the  camp,  and  Mill  Creek  swept  through  a  deeper 
ravine,  a  little  to  the  north.  Gates  occupied,  with  the  right  wing,  the  river 
hills  and  the  defile  between  these  and  the  river ;  Morgan,  of  Arnold's  division, 
the  left  wing,  camped  on  the  heights  nearly  a  mile  back  from  the  river,  and 
Learned  occupied  the  elevated  plain  as  centre. 

Arnold,  with  fifteen  hundred  men,  was  now  constantly  skirmishing  with 
the  enemy,  and  doubtless  gave  occasion  for  many  of  the  sharp,  concise  orders 
issued  by  Burgoyne,  who  was,  constantly  harassed,  and  often  compelled  to  xise 


«... 


Hk*»**'''  fcy  **l^ »«»  *■ 


26 


BATTLE   OF  BABATOOA 


i 


a  whole  regiment  to  protect  a  small  working  party.  On  the  seventeenth  he 
was  at  Sword's  house,  where  he  encamped  and  prepared  for  hattle. 

At  eleven  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  nineteenth  of  September, 
General  Burgoyne  advanced  towards  the  American  camp  with  his  army  in 
three  columns.  The  left  commanded  by  Riedesel,  and  composed  of  the 
German  regiments,  with  Phillips  and  his  artillery  moved  on  the  river 
road. 

Frazer,  with  his  own  and  Breyman's  corps,  made  a  detour  far  to  the  west, 
and  Burgoyne,  with  the  English  regiments,  took  the  centre  and  marched 
toward  the  heights  on  the  right. 

The  main  object  of  Burgoyne  was  a  union  of  his  own  and  Frazer's  divis- 
ions in  the  rear  of  the  left  wing  of  tlie  American  camp.  The  Canadians  and 
Indians  were  to  engage  the  attention  of  the  Americans  in  front,  while  Frazer 
would  get  in  the  rear  of  the  American  left  by  his  circuitous  route  through  the 
woods ;  at  a  preconcerted  signal,  Burgoyne  would  make  a  simultaneous  attack 
in  the  front ;  Biedesel  and  Phillips  would  occupy  Gates  on  the  American 
right ;  thus  it  was  hoped  they  would  cut  off  and  destroy  the  American  left 
wing,  and  at  the  same  time  gain  an  advanced  position. 

Gates  was  told  of  the  near  approach  of  the  enemy,  but  gave  no  orders  to 
tneet  or  prepare  for  them.  Finally  yielding  to  the  urgent  importunities  of 
Arnold  and  others,  he  consented  to  allow  the  hovering  Indians  to  be  driven 
back.  But  for  this  permission,  which  led  to  the  repulse  of  the  British, 
Burgcvne's  plan  might  have  been  successful. 

The  American  regiments  behind  their  works  were  restless  and  eager  for 
the  contest,  and  no  sooner  were  they  permitted  to  move  than  they  assailed  the 
enemy  with  resistless  impetuosity.  Morgan  led  the  way  with  his  riflemen, 
who  drove  the  advancing  forces  with  such  rapidity,  that,  for  a  moment,  their 
commander  lost  sight  of  them.  His  shrill  whistle  soon  recalled  them  to 
calmer  work.  Now  following  Arnold  yrith  Leamod's  brigade,  they  attempted 
to  cut  off  the  detachment  of  Frazer  from  the  main  army  ;  Frazer  at  the  same 
time  was  endeavoring  to  reach  the  American  rear.  Both  striving  for  the 
same  object,  and  their  movements  screened  by  the  heavy  forest,  they  met 
unexpectedly  near  Mill  Creek,  a  few  yards  west  of  Freeman's  cottage.  A 
furious  contest  followed.  Arnold  led  with  his  usual  spirit,  while  Morgan 
seemed  endowed  with  the  strength  and  ubiquity  of  a  forest  demi-god  ;  with 
his  active,  intelligent  corps,  he  struck  blow  after  blow,  his  men  scattering  like 
leaves  of  the  autumn  before  a  gust  of  the  British  bayonets,  only  to  close 
again  and  follow  up  their  advantage.     Assailing  Breyman's  guns,  they  captured 


BATTLE    OF    SARATOGA 


37 


a  cannon,  and  were  carrying  it  from  the  field  when  Morgan's  horse  was  shot 
under  him;  heavy  reinforcements  came  to  relievo  Frazer ;  Gates  still  withheld 
aasistance,  and  they  were  scattered  once  more.  Arnold  and  Morgan  now 
made  a  rapid  connter  march  against  Frazer's  left,  and  in  this  movement 
encountered  the  whole  English  line  under  Burgoyne. 

They  were  now  reinforced  with  four  regiments,  and  made  so  vigorous 
and  resolute  an  .'  ^tack  that  they  were  on  the  point  of  severing  the  wings 
of  the  British  army,  when  Phillips  came  forward  with  his  artillery, 
and  the  Americans  were  forced  hack  within  their  lines.  It  was  now 
three  o'clock,  and  a  lull  occurred  in  the  contest.  The  two  armies  lay  each 
upon  a  hillside,  that  sloped  toward  a  ravine,  which  separated  them.  With 
the  reinforcements  conceded  to  Arnold,  his  force  did  not  exceeded  three 
thousand  men  ;  yet,  with  this  number,  for  four  hours,  he  sustained  an  unequal 
conflict  with  the  choicest  English  regiments,  inspired  hy  every  sentiment 
that  ambition  or  desperation  could  awaken,  and  commanded  by  many  of  the 
most  accomplished  and  brave  officers  of  the  English  Army. 

Steadily  the  Patriots  received  charge  after  charge  of  the  dreaded  English 
bayonets ;  then,  emboldened  by  their  own  endurance,  they  pushed  upon  the 
enemy  in  a  fierce  attack,  to  be  driven  again  toward  their  own  lines.  While 
victory  seemed  thus  to  sway  back  and  forth  over  the  little  streams,  which  hid 
its  crystal  waters  under  the  crimson  flood  that  now  crept  over  it,  and  while 
the  Americans  held  the  ascendancy,  Riedesel  came  over  the  field  at  double- 
quick  with  his  heavy  Germane,  and  pressed  the  exhaustea  Americans  back 
once  more.  It  was  now  dark ;  they  gathered  up  their  wounded  and  prisoners, 
and  retired  to  their  camp. 

The  American  loss  in  killed  and  wounded  was  about  three  hundred,  and 
the  British  nearly  double  that  number.  The  latter  held  the  field,  and 
claimed  a  victorv  ;  it  was  worse  than  barren  to  them.  Foiled  in  their  main 
object,  they  were  now  burdened  with  many  wounded ;  they  had  tested  the 
strength  of  the  Americans,  and  were  convinced  that  their  own  advantages  of 
discipline  and  bayonets  were  perfectly  counterpoised  by  the  enthusiasm  and 
courage  of  the  Patriots.  The  British,  who  bivonaced  on  the  field,  were 
harassed  until  midnight  by  aarge  skirmishing  parties  of  the  Americans,  and 
were  under  arms  in  expectation  of  an  attack  in  force. 

Arnold  urged  the  importance  of  this  attack  with  such  vehemence  that 
Gates  took  serious  oflfense,  althougli  ho  failed  to  tell  Arnold  that  he  was  short 
of  ammunition — the  reason  afterwards  given  for  his  refusal  to  follow  up  the 
advantage  of  the  previom  day.     In  his  report  of  the  battle  to  Congress,  he 


v.- 


38 


BATTLE  OF  SARATOGA 


rofrained  from  mentioning  Arnold's  name.  This  led  to  a  further  quarrel, 
and  Arnold  was  deprived  of  his  command.  Gates  continued  to  strengthen 
the  defense8*of  his  camp,  while  his  army  daily  increased  in  numbers. 

Burgoyne  encamped  his  whole  army  on  the  ground  he  had  gained  on  the 
nineteenth,  and  protected  it  with  strong  entrenchments.  Four  redoubts  were 
constructed  on  the  river  hills,  at  the  place  now  called  "Wilbur's  Basin.  This 
was  the  northern  extremity  of  a  narrow  alluvial  fiat  that  extended  to  Bemis' 
House,  two  miles  below  ;  it  widened  in  the  centre,  and  narrowed  again  at  this 
point,  where  the  hills  lay  very  near  the  river.  On  its  banks  were  the 
hospitals  ;  they  and  the  batteaux  were  covered  by  a  battery  and  earthworks ; 
fliiniliar  defenses  were  extended  toward  the  west  foi  nearly  a  mile  to  Frazer's 
camp,  which  was  posted  on  the  heights  near  Freeman's  farm.  North  of  that 
again  a  strong  semi-circular  redoubt  was  occupied  by  Breyman's  artillery ;  this 
protected  the  right  flank  of  the  entire  camp  ;  the  north  branch  of  Mill  Creek 
formed  a  ravine  along  the  left  front  of  the '  camp,  which  thus,  as  in  other 
particulars,  resembled  the  entrenched  camp  of  the  Americans. 

Strongly  and  skillfully  posted,  the  two  armies  lay  face  to  face  from  the 
twentieth  of  September  until  the  seventh  of  October. 

"  The  hum  of  either  army  stilly  sounds, 
That  the  fixed  sentinels  almost, receive 
The  secret  whispers  of  each  other's  watch. 
Fire  answers  fire ;  and  through  their  paly  flames 
Each  battle  sees  the  other's  umbered  face. 
Steed  threatens  steed,  in  high  and  boastful  neighs, 
Piercing  the  night's  dull  ear ;  and  from  the  tents 
Rise  dreadful  note  of  preparation. " 

Our  army  was  exultant,  hopeful ;  scarcely  to  be  checked  in  its  restless 
desire  to  drive  the  invader  from  the  fruitful  fields  and  deserted  homes  he 
desecrated  and  destroyed.  Rushing  out  from  their  entrenchments  under 
every  plausible  excuse  to  skirmish  with  the  outposts  of  the  enemy,  or  capture 
his  pickets,  the  eager  militia  could  with  difficulty  be  restrained  by  the  cautious 
Gates  ifrom  bringing  on  the  general  engagement  that  he  seemed  quite  willing 
to  avoid. 

The  other  camp  seemed' oppressed  by  the  overhanging  cloud  of  its  impend- 
ing fate.  The  British  officers,  perpetually  on  the  alert,  were  unable  to  secure 
a  single  night  of  undisturbed  repose ;  the  men  bore  with  quiet  but  sullen 
fortitude  the  privations  and  hardships  of  short  rations,  hurried  snatches  of 
sleep  under  full  accoutrements,  and  constant  calls  to  arms.    More  and  more 


BATTLE   OF   BABATOOA 


29 


vivid  to  all  grew  the  vision  of  that  impassable  wall  of  difficulties  that  cuclosed 
them  on  all  sides,  leaving  but  one  narrow  pathway  to  the  north  ;  and  even 
that  was  being  closed  by  an  active  detachment  of  Americans  from  Lincoln's 
command.  They  had  surprised  the  British  garrisons  at  Lake  George  and 
Ticonderoga,  and  had  regained  all  the  outer  defenses  of  the  latter  place  ;  had 
captured  gunboats  and  batteaux,  and  taken  three  hundred  prisoners. 

News  of  this  calamity  soon  reached  Burgoyne,  yet  he  had  some  compensa^ 
tion  in  a  gleam  of  hope  that  reached  him  from  the  South  at  the  same  time. 
A  letter  from  Sir  Henry  Clinton  was  received,  informing  him  that  on  the 
twentieth  he  would  attack  the  forts  below  the  Highlands,  and  attempt  a 
further  ascent  of  the  river.  Two  officers  in  disguise  were  immediately 
dispatched  in  return  to  inform  Clinton  of  the  critical  position  of  Burgoyne's 
army,  and  urged  him  to  hasten  to  its  assistance.  Clinton  was  also  assured 
that  Burgoyne  would  endeavor  to  hold  his  present  position  until  the  twelfth 
of  October. 

Lincoln,  who,  with  a  large  body  of  militia,  now  joined  the  army  at  Bemis 
Heights,  was  placed  in  command  of  the  right  wing.  Gates  took  command  of 
the  left,  of  which  Arnold  had  been  dispossessed.  The  latter  had  remained  in 
camp,  waiting  patiently  for  a  collision  between  the  hostile  armies. 

As  Burgoyne's  situation  became  day  by  day  .  ore  critical,  and  he  received 
no  news  from  Clinton,  on  the  fourth  of  October  0  called  Generals  Riedesel, 
Phillips  and  Frazer  together  in  council.  Riedesel  was  strongly  in  favor  of  a 
retreat  to  Fort  Edward,  and  Frazer  conceded  the  wisdom  of  such  a  movement; 
Phillips  declined  to  express  an  opinion,  and  Burgoyne  finally  declared  that  on 
the  seventh  he  would  make  a  reconnoissance,  and  if  he  then  found  the  enemy, 
too  strong  to  be  attacked,  he  would  immediately  retreat  to  Fort  Edward,  and 
await  the  co-operation  of  the  army  below. 

On  the  sixth  he  had  five  days'  rations  distributed,  and  arranged  for  a 
reconnoissance  in  force  on  the  following  day.  As  he  could  not  leave  his  camp 
unprotected,  he  only  took  fifteen  hundred  men.  They  were  selected  from 
the  corps  of  Biedesel,  Frazer  and  Phillips.  Led  by  these  officers  in  person, 
and  Burgoyne  as  Commander-in-Chief,  they  marched  out  of  camp  at  eleven 
o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  seventh,  and  entered  a  field  within  three- 
quarters  of  a  mile  of  the  American  left.  Here,  in  double  ranks,  they  formed 
in  line  of  battle. 

On  the  left  Williams'  artillery  and  Ackland's  grenadiers  were  posted,  on  a 
gentle  hill  in  the  edge  of  a  wood  that  fronted  on  Mill  Creek.  Balcarras' 
light  infantry  and  other  English  regiments  formed  the   right :  the  Hessians 


r 


II 


30 


BATTLE   OF    SARATOGA 


held  the  centre.  Frazer,  with  five  hundred  )»ickod  men,  was  posted  to  the 
right  and  front  of  BalcarraB,  where  a  hill  ekirted  the  meadow ;  he  was  ready 
to  fall  upon  the  rear  of  the  American  left  at  the  first  attack  in  front. 

Foragers  were  at  work  in  a  wheat  field,  while  the  English  officers  recon- 
noitred the  American  left  with  their  glasses  from  the  top  of  a  cabin  near  the 
field.  An  aid-de-camp  conveyed  this  information  to  Gates,  who  said :  "  Order 
out  Morgan  to  begin  the  game." 

Morgan  had  already  discovered  Frazer's  position,  had  divined  his  design, 
and  formed  his  own  plan.  Ordering  an  attack  to  be  made  on  Balcarras  in 
front,  he  made  a  circuit  in  the  woods  to  fall  upon  Frazer  from  the  heights 
above.  It  was  also  arranged  that  General  Poor  should  assail  the  grenadiers  on 
the  British  left  simultaneously  witli  Morgan's  attack.  Learned  was  to  check 
the  Germans  in  the  centre. 

As  the  great  Hudson,  when  suddenly  loosened  from  liis  winter  chains  of 
ice,  rushes  with  resistless  fo.  oe  over  all  obstructions,  so  from  their  restraining 
earthworks  the  impetuous  Americans  poured  furiously  upon  their  adversaries 
in  the  front,  while  Morgan,  like  a  mountain  torrent,  swept  down  the  height 
upon  Frazer's  heroic  band.  So  terrible  was  the  onslaught  that  in  less  than 
twenty  minutes  the  British  were  thrown  into  confusion.  Frazer,  in  his 
brillant  uniform,  on  a  splendid  war  horse,  rode  from  side  to  side  of  the  right 
wing,  encouraging  and  rallying  the  bewildered  troops,  and  protecting  every 
point  with  his  flexible  five  hundred. 

Burgoyne,  seeing  the  right  wing  in  danger  of  being  surrounded,  now 
ordered  Frazer  to  form  a  second  line  to  cover  a  retreat.  In  attempting  this 
jnanoeuvre  Frazer  fell  mortally  wounded,  and  was  carried  from  the  field. 

The  division  under  Poor,  with  the  same  impulsive  vigor,  dashed  up  the 
hill  upon  the  artillery  and  grenadiers  of  the  British  left,  and  drove  them 
from  their  guns.  Ackland  brought  them  back,  and  recaptured  the  guns, 
which  again  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  Americans,  who  rapidly  turned 
them  upon  the  enemy,  and  drove  them  flying  from  the  field.  Ackland  was 
wounded  in  both  legs.  He  was  a  large,  heavy  man,  but  an  officer  took  him 
on  his  back,  and  ran  some  distance  with  him.  The  pursuit  was  close,  and  the 
officer,  fearing  he  would  be  captured,  dropped  his  friend,  and  hurried  on. 
Ackland  now  called  out  to  the  flying  men  that  he  would  give  fifty 
guineas  to  any  man  who  would  carry  him  into  camp.  A  tall  granadier  took 
him  on  his  shoulders,  but  had  not  proceeded  many  steps  when  he  and  his 
helpless  burden  were  taken  prisoners. 

The  Hessians  still  held  their  ground  in  the   centre.     At  this  moment 


■fi 


BATTLR  or  BA.RAT«X)A 


31 


his 


Arnold,  niaddoDed  by  hia  injuries,  ar:d  excited  into  frenzy  by  the  clash  and 
roar  of  the  battle,  dashed  like  a  meteor  on  the  field,  followed  in  the  distance 
by  Armstrong,  Gates'  aid-de-cainp,  carrying  orders  to  compel  his  return. 
Stop  the  bison  on  his  native  plain?  the  swallow  on  its  flight?  More  easy 
this  than  Annstrong's  task.  The  genius  of  war  thrilled  Arnold's  soul,  as 
epic  metres  stir  the  poet,  as  rugged  landscapes,  shadowed  under  sunset 
lights,  influence  the  artist's  brain.  Genius  ever  lives  and  conquers!  It 
may  be  desecrated  and  destroyed,  as  Arnold  buried  his  in  ignominy ;  but 
while  it  lives  and  inspires  its  own  peculiar  work,  it  rules  and  is  supreme. 
Thus,  when  Arnold  waved  his  sword,  and  shouted  his  brief  commands, 
the  genius  within  him  rung  through  the  tones  of  his  voice,  glanced 
from  the  quivering  flash  of  his  sabre,  and  the  regiments  followed  where 
he  led — one  strong  will,  one  palpitating  force. 

"With  two  brigades  he  rushed  upon  the  Hessian  centre,  who  stood 
the  shock  bravely  for  a  time,  but  as  he  dashed  upon  them  again  and 
again  with  a  fury  they  had  never  before  witnessed,  they  turned  and  fled  in 
dismay. 

Burgoyne  now  took  command  in  person,  and  the  conflict  became  general 
along  the  whole  line.  Arnold  and  Morgan,  uniting  to  break  a  strong 
point  in  the  British  ranks,  would  again  separate  to  dash  from  one  place  to 
another,  where  orders  or  encouragement  were  necessary.  Burgoyne  succeeded 
Frazer  as  the  conspicuous  figure  on  the  opposing  side,  and  was  seen  in  the 
thickest  of  the  m^lee,  under  the  heaviest  fire.  Several  shots  tore  his  clothing, 
and  his  aids  implored  him  not  to  expose  himself,  but  resolute  and  daring,  he 
endeavored  skillfully,  but  vainly,  to  rally  his  army,  and  hold  his  ground.  He 
could  more  easily  have  checked  a  hurricane  on  the  great  prairies ;  his  whole 
force  was  driven  before  the  storm,  and  swept  into  their  entrenched  camp. 
Here  they  made  a  determined  stand.  Arnold  now  took  Patterson's  brigade, 
and  assailed  Frazer's  camp,  where  Balcarras  and  his  light  infantry  had  taken 
refuge. 

Charging  wi^li  renewed  vigor  again  and  again  up  the  embankment,  he 
led  the  way  over  a  strong  abattis ;  driven  back  from  this,  he  attacked  the 
entrenchments  connecting  this  redoubt  with  Breyman's  flank  defense.  Here 
he  succeeded,  and  leaving  the  Massachusetts  regiments  to  follow  up  the 
advantage  at  that  point,  he  encountered  a  part  of  licarned's  brigade,  and 
dashed  upon  the  strong  works  of  the  Hessian  camp.  Here,  too,  he  drove 
everything  before  him.  Capturing  the  cannon,  the  artillerists  fled  in  conster- 
nation, and  Breyman  was  killed  on  the  spot.    Arnold's  horse  was  shot  under 


c 


WMIM»-*4 


•4C« 


ijtm 


•// 


I' 


3S 


BATl'LE  OF    8ARATOOA 


j\i 


c  I 


f  \ 


Iiim  ;  it  fell  on  him,  and  liiti  leg  waH  uevercly  woundiul.  llr  wiw  carried  from 
the  field. 

The  whole  British  camp  now  lay  exposed  to  the  pursuing  Ameriuana. 
Night  and  silence  fell  upon  the  scene.  The  groans  of  the  wounded,  the 
muffled  words  of  command  given  for  the  burial  of  the  dead,  and  the 
dirge-liko  wailing  of  the  autumn  wind  in  the  tall  pines,  were  the  only  sounds 
that  followed  the  roar  of  artillery  and  the  shouts  of  the  victors. 

"  ▲  thousand  gloriouB  actions,  that  might  claim 
.Yiumphant  laurels,  and  immortal  fame, 
Confused  in  clouds  of  glorious  actions  lie, 
And  troops  of  heroes  undistinguished  die." 

Ah,  yes !  tlie  field  of  Saratoga  is  rich  with  the  blood  of  heroes.  "What 
are  the  few  names  we  have  recorded  compared  with  the  unnumbered  hosts 
who  lie  under  the  placid  hills  of  the  Hudson — or  who  performed  upon 
this  field  unnoticed  deeds  of  valor,  and  passed  through  li^e  unregarded  and 
unnamed ! 

While  the  battle  raged  on  the  heights,  confusion  ai  "ow  reigned  in 

and  around  the  British  camp  near  the  river.  The  Baroness  Riedeael,  who, 
with  her  little  children,  had  joined  her  husband  at  Fort  Edward,  and  remained 
with  the  army,  was  living  at  Taylor's  house,  above  Wilbur's  Basin.  She 
had  breakfasted  with  her  husband  at  his  camp  on  the  heights,  and  having 
returned  home,  was  awaiting  his  arrival  with  General  Frazer  and  other 
officers,  who  were  to  dine  with  her.  These  pleasant  anticipations  were 
supplanted  by  grief  and  terror,  when,  at  about  two  o'clock,  General  Frazer 
vT.ofl  brought  in  on  a  litter,  desperately  wounded.  The  table,  which  had 
been  spread  for  dinner,  was  hastily  put  aside,  and  a  bed  prepared  for  him. 
He  asked  the  surgeon  to  inform  him  truly  of  his  condition,  and  when  told  he 
could  live  but  a  few  hours,  he  exclaimed  :  "  O,  fatal  ambition  !  Poor  General 
Burgoyne  !  My  poor  wife ! "  These  brief  words  express  forcibly  the  desires, 
the  thoughts,  and  the  affections  of  this  brave  man. 

The  Baroness,  with  her  children  and  servants,  and  the  wives  of  Major 
Harnage  and  Lieutenant  Reynell,  clustered  despairingly  together  in  one 
comer  of  the  room  where  the  dying  General  lay.  The  whole  house  wag 
now  filled  with  the  wounded,  and  Madame  Riedesel  soon  recovering  her 
composure,  was  actively  engaged  in  relieving  their  suflEerings  and  comforting 
her  affircted  companions.  Information  had  been  brought  that  Major  Harnage 
was  wounded,  and  that  Lieutenant  Beynell  had  been  killed.     Lady  Ackland 


BATTLK   or   HAKATOOA 


33 


occupied  a  tent  near  by,  and  waH  noon  informed  tiiat  lior  hiifihand  waA  mortiUlj 
wounded  and  a  prisunor.  Frecjuentiy  during  tliu  uucceeding  night  the  Uar- 
onesB  left  her  sleeping  children,  and  went  to  the  tent  of  her  friend,  to  tell 
her  of  more  encouraging  rumors;  and  she  finally  advised  her  to  obtain 
permission  to  join  her  husband  in  the  Americ&n  camp. 

At  daybreak  Madame  Riedesel  was  informed  that  General  Frazer  was  in 
his  death  agony;  she  wrapped  her  children  in  the  bedclothes,  and  carried 
them  in  the  hall,  until  the  last  sad  scene  should  close.  Then,  returning  to  the 
room,  she  and  her  companions  were  all  day  long  in  the  presence  of  the  sheeted 
dead. 

After  midnight  General  Lincoln  from  the  American  camp  marched  on 
the  battle  field  with  a  large  body  of  fresh  troops,  to  replace  the  exhausted 
victors  of  the  previous  day.  Burgoyne,  aware  of  his  danger  if  attacked  in  his 
exposed  position,  now  moved  his  whole  army  hurriedly,  but  in  good  order,  to 
the  river  bank.  Hen;,  in  gloomy  desperation,  they  were  crowded  together 
under  the  redoubts,     i  the  morning  of  the  eighth. 

The  whole  of  this  day  was  spent  in  heavy  skirmishing  between  the  hostile 
armies,  and  General  Lincoln,  who  had  not  been  on  the  field  during  the  seventh, 
was  now  slightly  wounded.  At  six  o'clock  in  the  evening.  General  Burgoyne, 
with  Generals  Riedesel  and  Phillips  and  Mr.  Brudenell,  the  chaplain,  accom- 
panied the  remains  of  General  Frazer  to  a  large  redoubt  on  one  of  the  river 
hills,  where  they  buried  him,  according  to  his  dying  request.  The  ladies  at 
Taylor's  house  witnessed  the  funeral,  and  saw  the  cannon  balls  thrown  by  the 
Americans  tear  up  the  earth  around  the  grave,  while  the  funeral  service  was 
being  read.  In  a  few  moments  the  balls  ceased  their  flight,  and  the  cannon 
only  bellowed  forth  the  melancholy  roar  of  the  minute  guns.  Gates  had 
been  informed  of  the  sad  office  in  progress ;  a  graceful  token  of  a  soldier's 
sympathy. 

Soon  after  this  sad  scene,  Lady  Ackland,  with  the  chaplain,  her  maid  and 
her  husband's  valet  were  placed  in  a  small  boat  and  rowed  down  the  river  to 
the  American  camp,  where  she  was  soon  united  with  her  husband,  whose 
wounds,  though  serious,  were  not  fatal. 

Burgoyne  now  gave  orders  for  a  full  retreat  of  his  army,  to  begin  at 
nine  o'clock  that  same  night,  the  wounded  and  all  heavy  baggage  to  be 
left  behind.  General  Riedesel  was  ordered  to  lead  the  vanguard,  and  push 
on  until  he  crossed  the  Hudson  at  the  Saratoga  ford,  and  there  take  a 
position  behind  the  hills  at  the  Batten  Kill.  A  drenching  rain  poured  upon 
tlTe  weary,  plodding  army  the  whole  night.     At  Dogovat  a  halt  was  made. 


cyiwwrwi 


I'm 


>t 


tA      ^, 


H 


34 


BATTLE   OF   SARATOGA 


Burgoyne  wavered  and  couiitennauded  his  orde»-3.     His  last  chance  of  retreat 
escaped  him. 

"  In  helplebs  indeciBions  lie. 
The  rocks  on  which  we  stdke  an<^  die." 

The  Imperious  commander,  who  had  led  the  forward  march  with  un- 
flinching resolution,  pushing  to  his  end  without  fear  or  hesitation,  when  foiled 
and  sent  back,  for  a  moment  sluiddered,  and  refused  to  accept  his  fate.  He 
still  held  his  panic-st»'icken  army  under  his  will,  and  he  determined  once  more 
to  wait  for  the  coming  of  tlio  army  from  below ;  it  might  yet  bring  him 
relief.  Stai'ting  from  Dovo^iit,  at  daybreak,  the  British  moved  again,  but 
only  to  encamp  during  the  day  on  the  heights  north  of  the  Fish  Kill.  The 
haitdsome  residence  of  vieneral  Schuyler  was  burned  on  the  way.  During 
this  time  Colonel  Fellows,  with  tlie  American  artillery  had  planted  his  guns 
on  the  hills  on  the  east  pide  of  the  Hudson,  opposite  the  British  camp. 
General  Stark  had  also  taken  possession  ri  l<'ort  Edward  above.  On  the  tenth 
General  Gates,  hav-ng  waited  for  fine  weather,  followed  Burgoyne  to  Saratoga 
and  encamped  on  the  south  side  of  the  Fish  Kill.  His  delay  greatly  endangered 
the  detachment  of  Colonel  Fello^v?.  who  could  easily  have  been  surrounded 
and  captured  ;  in  fact,  some  of  Burgoyue's  officers  were  anxious  to  make  the 
attempt,  but  failed  to  obtain  permission.  On  the  morning  of  the  eleventh, 
while  the  autunm  mist  hung  heavily  over  Fish  Kill  and  the  adjacent  grounds, 
Gates,  believing  that  Burgoyne  had  continued  his  retreat,  ordered  his  whole 
army  to  advance  and  cross  the  stream  in  pursuit.  Without  a  reconnoissance  or 
vanguard,  the  army  was  set  in  motion.  The  vigilant  Burgoyne,  having  now 
staked  his  cliances  on  delay,  was  waiting  eagerly  for  any  mistake  on  the  part 
of  his  adversary.  Aware  of  the  proximity  of  Gates,  and  of  his  intention,  he 
drew  up  his  army,  under  cover  of  the  dense  fog,  in  battle  array,  on  the  north 
side  of  the  stream,  to  receive  him.  The  American  regiments  uuder  Nixon 
passed  over  and  were  instantly  attacked ;  a  severe  contest  followed,  and  Niion 
soon  discovered  the  British  in  force ;  using  his  own  judgment,  and  disobeying 
orders,  he  retreated,  and  checked  the  further  progress  of  the  army  until 
communication  could  be  had  with  Gates. 

Morgan  had  crossed  the  creek  towards  Saratoga  Lake  and,  screened  by 
the  woods,  posted  his  riflemen  on  the  heights  in  the  "°ar  and  flank  of  the 
British  camp.  This  waa  strongly  intrenched  on  the  hill  near  the  river,  but 
was  now  entirely  surrounded  by  the  Patriots,  and  all  communication 
destroyed  either  with  the  north  or  south ;  and  it  was  soon  found  by  the 


BATTLE   OF   SARATOGA 


35 


British  that  their  camp  was  exposed  in  every  part  to  the  fire  of  cannon  or 
riflemen ;  no  approach  to  the  river  was  permitted,  and  there  waa  much  suffer- 
ing for  want  of  water.  The  sick,  wounded  and  women  were  Luddled  together 
in  a  house  where  cannon  balls  tore  through  the  walls,  and  rolled  across  the 
floor,  often  wounding  the  helpless  men  who  lay  within.  Madame  Kiedesel, 
with  her  children,  and  the  other  ladies  took  refuge  in  a  cellar,  where  houro  of 
horror  were  endured  with  uncomplaining  misery. 

Sir  Henry  Clinton,  having  obtained  reinforcements  from  England,  at  last 
came  storming  up  the  Hudson  as  though  he  would  annihilate  all  obstacles 
between  himself  and  Burgoyne.  He  obtained  possession  of  Fort  Montgomery 
and  Clinton,  although  they  were  most  courageously  defended  by  Gov.  George 
Clinton  and  his  brother  James,  who,  very  skillfully  saved  their  garrisons. 
The  British  easily  destroyed  the  obstructing  boom  across  the  river,  and 
Putnam,  decei'"8d  and  alarmed  by  their  manoeuvres,  left  the  enemy  to  a&il 
unmolested  to  Albany.  Satisfied  with  the  destruction  of  the  American  vessels, 
and  having  burned  Kingston,  the  seat  of  the  Government,  and  ravaged  the 
stately  manor  houses  of  Livingston  and  other  aristocratic  republicans,  the 
Englishman  returned  to  New  York,  and  left  Burgoyne  unassisted  in  his 
perilous  position. 

He  had  now  only  five  days'  rations  for  his  army,  and  not  a  spot  where  he 
could  hold  a  council  of  offcers  in  safety.  On  the  13th  he  called  them  together 
to  consider  their  desperate  condition,  and  there  "  General  Burgoyne  solemnly 
declared,  that  no  one  but  himself  should  answer  for  the  situation  in  which  the 
army  found  itself."  Three  questions  were  then  submitted  for  their  considera- 
tion. "  1st.  Whether  military  history  furnished  any  example  of  an  army 
having  capitulated  under  similar  circumstances.  2d.  Whether  the  capitula- 
tion of  an  army  placed  in  such  a  situation  would  be  disgraceful.  3d.  Whether 
the  army  was  actually  in  such  a  situation  as  to  be  obliged  to  capitulate."  These 
were  answered  in  the  atiirmative,  and  there  was  an  unanimous  declaration  in 
favor  of  capitulation.  The  terms  of  surrender  were  then  discussed.  A 
messenger  was  sent  to  Gen.  Gates,  who  agreed  to  an  immediate  armistice.  A 
meeting  of  officers  to  represent  the  commanders  of  the  respective  armies  was 
arranged  to  take  place  on  the  spot  where  Gen.  Schuyler's  house  had  stood. 

There  seemed  a  poetic  justice  in  this,  considering  the  magnanimous  spirit 
of  Schuyler,  the  relentless  destruction  of  Burgoyne,  and  the  humiliation  of 
the  destroyer  on  the  site  of  the  ruin  he  had  wrought. 

The  terms  proposed  by  Burgoyne  required  that  his  army,  upon  its  sur- 
render, should  be  marched  to  Boston,  and  from  there  be  shipped  to  England. 


ip»^' 


I 


I 


36 


BATTLE  OF  SARATOGA 


Gates  refused  this  proposition,  aud  demauded  an  unconditional  surrender  as 
prisoners  of  war,     Burgoyne  rejected  these  terras  indignantly. 

The  armistice  ceased.    Burgoyne  prepared  for  the  worst. 

Gktes  now  heard  of  Sir  Henry  Clinton  at  the  Highlands.  His  fears  wbre 
aroused ;  he  despatched  a  message  to  Burgoyne,  in  which  he  agreed  to  almost 
every  article  of  the  first  proposition.  Burgoyne  gave  his  assent  to  these  terms. 
Some  further  negotiations  were  in  progress  in  regard  to  points  of  minor  im- 
portance. News  of  Sir  Henry  Clinton's  expedition  now  reached  Burgoyne. 
Again  delusive  hopes  awoke  in  his  heart.  He  hurriedly  called  his  oflScers 
together  to  consider  whether  they  could  honorably  withdraw  from  the 
agreement  to  surrender.  It  was  decided  that  honor  held  them  fast,  although 
the  papers  were  not  signed.  On  the  l7th  of  October  the  capitulation,  or 
convention,  as  Burgoyne  stipulated  it  should  be  called,  received  the  signatures 
of  the  two  commanders,  Gates  and  Burgoyne. 

The  British  f»rmy  were  now  marched  out  of  their  camps,  under  their  own 
officers,  to  a  plain  near  old  Fort  Hardy,  where  the  Fish  Kill  empties  into  the 
Hudson.  Here,  in  the  presence  of  only  one  American,  an  aid-de-camp  of 
Gates,  they  laid  down  their  arms.  Generals  Burgoyne,  Riedesel  and  Phillips 
now  passed  over  the  Fish  Kill  to  the  head  quarters  of  Gates,  who  rode  out  to 
meet  them,  accompanied  by  his  aids.  When  they  met,  Burgoyne  said :  "  The 
fortunes  of  war,  General,  have  made  me  your  prisoner ;"  to  which  Gates 
replied :  "  I  shall  ever  be  ready  to  bear  testimony  that  it  has  not  been  through 
any  fault  of  your  excellency." 

The  American  army  were  drawn  up  in  ranks  on  either  aide  of  the  road. 
The  whole  army  of  British  prisoners,  preceded  by  a  guard  bearing  the  stars 
and  stripes  and  a  band  playing  Yankee  Doodle,  were  marched  between  the 
files  of  their  victors. 

Gates  and  Burgoyne  stood  contemplating  the  scene.  In  the  presence  of 
both  armies.  General  Burgoyne  stepped  out,  and  drawing  his  sword  from  its 
scabbard,  presented  it  to  General  Gates ;  he  received  it,  and  silently  returned 
it  to  the  vanquished  General. 

The  close  of  General  Burgoyne's  campaign  is  related  with  graphic  force 
by  a  Hessian  officer,  whose  letter  may  be  found  in  the  recent  volume  c  f 
"  Revolutionary  Letters,"  by  Wm.  L.  Stone.* 

"Writing  from  Cambridge,  Mass.,  Nov.  15,  1777,  while  a  prisoner,  he  gives 
an  account  of  the  Battles  of  Saratoga,  and  referring  to  that  of  October  7th, 
says : 

*  PubUtbtd  by  If unaall'i  Soni,  Albany,  N.  Y. 


urrender  as 


I  f  ears  were 
d  to  almost 
hese  terms. 
'  minor  im- 
Burgoyne. 
lis  officers 
from  the 
;,  although 
ilation,  or 
signatures 

their  own 
58  into  the 
G-camp  of 
i  Phillips 
>de  out  to 
d:  "The 
eh  Gates 
I  through 

the  road, 
the  stars 
ween  the 

isence  of 
from  its 
'etumed 


• 


ic  force 
ime  cf 

le  gives 
•er  7th, 


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BATTLE   OF   SARATOGA 


37 


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"  To  retreat  seemed  too  hard  lines  for  General  Burgoyne.  In  Albany  we 
had  plenty  of  friends  willing  to  reinforce  us ;  and  for  this  reason  the  General 
resolved  to  attack  the  enemy,  and  force  his  way  through  their  lines. 

"  General  Burgoyne  was  on  the  point  of  continuing  the  reconnoissance, 
when  suddenly  about  four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  the  enemy  threw  them- 
selves upon  the  English  grenadiers  who  composed  the  left  wing,  attacked 
them  in  front  and  in  flank,  and  forced  them  after  a  stubborn  resistance  to  give 
way.  At  the  right  wing,  where  the  regiments  under  English  commanders 
were  placed,  the  same  thing  happened ;  and  simultaneously  the  centre  under 
Colonel  von  Specht,  and  whose  flanks  were  no  longer  covered,  was  also 
attacked.  Tlie  centre  stood  its  ground  for  a  long  time  ;  but  as  the  enemy's 
regiments  kept  pouring  in  from  all  sides,  nothing  was  left  but  to  retreat.  A 
more  galling  discharge  of  musketry  could  not  be  imagined.  Captain  Pausch 
of  the  Hesse-Hanan  artillery  afterward  described  to  me  with  what  frenzy  the 
enemy  threw  themselves  upon  his  cannon,  in  the  very  teeth  of  a  murderous 
fire  of  grape.  Although  Capt.  Pausch's  desperate  courage  in  such  affairs  is 
well  known,  yet  he  does  not  wish  on  that  account  that  his  "  Narrative  "  should 
be  taken  as  an  excuse  for  the  loss  of  his  two  12-pounders.  Old  Major 
Williams,  who  can  only  be  likened  to  an  old  12-pounder  himself,  and  who 
adores  no  creature  on  earth  more  than  a  12-pounder — and  none,  by  the  way, 
can  handle  one  better  than  him — also  met  with  Captain  Pausch's  fate,  with 
this  difference,  however,  that  he  was  captured  along  with  his  12-pounder8.* 

"  The  old  warrior  is  said  to  have  shed  tears  on  this  occasion.  The  result  of 
to-day's  unfortunate  engagement  was  that  nearly  all  of  our  cannon  were  cap- 
tured, and  the  entire  detachment  had  to  seek  safety  in  flight.  The  beaten 
corps  took  refuge  within  the  large  entrenchment  (the  Great  Redoubt)  of 
Frazer's  division,  and  although  the  enemy  attempted  to  scale  aiid  enter  it,  tliey 
were  met  with  such  a  determined  resistance  that  all  their  efforts  proved  vain. 

"  We  were,  however,  to  meet  with  another  misfortune.  Bellona  seems  to 
have  been  in  the  Yankees  to-day,  and  Mars  must  either  have  been  in  a  bad 
humor  or  have  placed  too  much  confidence  in  old  Williams  and  his  12-pound- 
ers. Colonel  Breyman's  corps  covered  the  entire  right  of  the  army,  and  there- 
fore stood  enpotence. 

"  Colonel  Breyman  was  attacked  in  front,  and  defended  himself  bravely. 
The  enemy  however    *     *     *     *     threw  themselves  from  the  side  and  rear 

*  It  was  one  of  thete  same  twelTe-pouodera  on  wbich  Col.  ClUey  was  a-straddle  aad  axultiDB  in  its 
bbptura,  as  Wilkinson  deiortbes.  Tbey  are  also  the  same  tweWe-pounders  which  have  oome  Into  pos- 
session of  the  Saratoga  Monument  Assoeiatlon,  and  will  be  placed  on  the  plinth,  and  inside  of  the 
Monument. 


38 


BATTLE    OF   SARATOGA 


upon  Breyman's  entrenchments.  Breyraan  fell  dead  as  he  stood  near  two 
cannon.  His  corps  wero  dispersed,  the  greater  part  of  them,  however,  retreat- 
ing into  the  forest,  and  afterwards  effected  a  junction  with  Frazer's  division. 
The  enemy  captured  several  cannon,  set  the  tents  on  fire,  and  plundered  the 
camp.  Several  officers  of  the  German  corps  were  killed.  *  *  *  * 
During  the  night  succeeding  the  battle  we  were  engaged  in  taking  down  our 
tents  and  sending  back  our  baggage. 

"  On  the  8th  of  October  we  danced  a  minuet  backward  !  and  merely  showed 
the  enemy  our  teeth  and  claws.  "We  did,  however,  considerable  damage  with 
our  cannon.  In  the  night  we  began  our  retreat,  and  arrived  at  Saratoga  in 
the  eveninef  Bad  roads  and  abominable  weather  caused  us  to  leave  in  the 
enemy's  hands  some  baggage  and  a  number  of  cannon. 

"  On  the  afternoon  of  the  10th,  General  Gates  appeared  with  his  army,  and 
stationed  himself  on  the  heights  near  the  church  at  Saratoga.  The  Fishkill, 
which  could  very  comfortably  be  waded,  al-  ne  separated  the  two  armies  from 
each  other. 

**0n  the  11th,  the  enemy  crossed  the  Fishkill  with  several  brigades,  but  my 
Lord  Balcarras  opened  fire  upon  them  with  his  cannon,  driving  them  back 
with  loss.  They,  however,  captured  one  bateaux,  some  provisions  and  other 
articles  together  with  one  English  officer  and  forty  men.  During  the  11th, 
12th  and  IStli,  the  cannonading  never  ceased,  while  the  fire  of  musketry 
between  the  outposts  of  the  army  was  incessant.  The  enemy  continued,  with 
their  superior  force,  to  hem  us  in,  until  by  the  14th  of  October  retreat  was 
impossible.  Hunger  stared  us  in  the  face.  *  *  *  *  To  f o  e  them  back 
upon  Albany  at  one  coup  was  not  to  be  thought  of.  The  enemy,  moreover, 
did  not  deign  to  attack  us,  as  they  hoped  that  in  a  few  days  hunger  would 
compel  us  to  surrender  without  the  shedding  of  blood.  To  abandon  our  artil- 
lery and  baggage,  and  fight  our  way  with  bayonets  through  the  terrible  wilder- 
ness back  to  Carillon,  seemed  the  only  thing  left  to  us.  But  even  this  idea 
had  to  be  abandoned.  *  *  *  We  therefore  preferred  an  honorable  capitu- 
lation to  an  ignominious  death.  The  enemy  met  us  half  way,  and  the  14th, 
15tli  and  16th,  were  spent  in  negotiating.  On  the  evening  of  the  16th  both 
Generals  agreed  on  the  articles  of  capitulation. 

"  On  the  17th  of  October  our  army  marched  to  the  banks  of  the  Hudson, 
stacked  their  arms  (neither  the  enemy's  officers  nor  commissioners  being  in 
sight)  and  began  our  march  to  Boston.  *  *  *  *  We  passed  the  enemy's 
encampment,  in  front  of  which  all  their  regiments,  as  well  as  the  artillery, 
were  standing  under  arms.     Not  a  man  of  them  was  regularly  equipped. 


BATTLE    OF     8ABAT0OA 


39 


Each  one  had  on  the  clothes  he  was  accustomed  to  wear  in  the  field,  the  tavern, 
the  church,  and  in  every-day  life.  No  fault,  however,  could  be  found  with 
their  military  appearance,  for  they  stood  in  an  erect  and  soldierly  attitude. 
All  their  muskets  had  bayonets  attached  to  them,  and  their  riflemen  had  rifles. 
They  rr^mained  so  perfectly  quiet  that  we  were  utterly  astounded.  Not  one  of 
them  made  any  attempt  to  speak  to  the  man  at  his  side ;  and  all  of  the  men 
who  stood  in  array  before  us  were  so  slender,  fine  looking,  and  sinewy  that  it 
was  pleasant  to  look  at  them.  Nor  could  we  but  wonder  that  Dame  Nature 
had  created  such  a  handsome  race  !  As  to  their  height,  dear  brother,  the  men 
averaged  from  6  to  7  inches,  according  to  Prussian  measurement ;  and  I  am 
sure  I  am  not  telling  an  untruth  when  I  state  that  men  8  to  10  inches  high 
were  oftener  to  be  seen  than  those  of  only  5,*  and  men  of  larger  height  were 
to  be  found  in  all  the  companies.  *  *  *  I  am  perfectly  serious  when  I 
state  that  the  men  of  English  America  are  far  ahead  of  those  in  the  greater 
portion  of  Europe  both  as  respects  their  beauty  and  stature. 

"In  regard  to  the  gentler  sex,  I  will  give  you  some  details  of  them  also 
when  I  arrive  at  Kinderhook ;  and  now  for  a  space  devoted  to  American  wigs  ! 
(whigs  ?) 

"Few  of  the  oflScers  in  Gates'  army  wore  uniforms,  and  those  that  were  worn 
were  evidently  of  home  manufacture  and  of  all  colors.  For  example,  brown 
coats  with  sea-green  facings,  white  linings,  and  silver  dragons,  and  gray  coats 
with  yellow  buttons  and  straw-facings,  were  seen  in  plenty.  The  brigadiers 
and  generals  had,  however,  uniforms  to  distinguish  them  from  the  rest  of  the 
officers,  and  wore  a  band  around  the  waist  to  designate  their  respective  rank. 
On  the  other  hand,  most  of  the  colonels  and  other  officers  wore  their  every- 
day clothes.  They  carried  their  muskets  (to  which  a  bayonet  was  attached), 
in  their  hands ;  their  pouches  or  powder-horns  were  slung  over  their  backs, 
and  their  left  hand  hung  down  by  their  side,  while  the  right  foot  was  slightly 
put  forward.  In  one  place  could  be  seen  men  with  white  wigs,  from  beneath 
which  long  and  thick  hair  escaped — thick  lambs'  tails  hanging  down  from  the 
back  ;  in  another,  the  glistening  black  wig  of  an  abb6  eurmounting  some  red 
and  copper-colored  face ;  while  still  another,  white  and  gray  clerical-looking 
wig  made  of  horse  and  goats'  hair,  and  piled  up  in  successive  rolls.  In  look- 
ing at  a  man  thus  adorned  one  would  imagine  that  he  had  an  entire  sheep 
under  his  hat,  with  its  tail  dangling  around  his  neck.  A  great  deal  of  respect 
is  entertained  for  these  wigs,  not  only  because  they  arc  worn  by  all  gentlemen 
composing  the  committees  and  those  who  arc  renowned  for  wisdom.     The 

*  That  it,  6  feet  8, 10  and  6  Inobee. 


I  I  im    u    mm  ^ 


40 


BATTLE    OF    8ARATOOA 


gentlemen  who  wear  these  different  kind  of  wigs  are  mostly  between  fifty  and 
sixty  years  of  age,  and  .laving  bat  recently  begun  to  wear  them,  you  can 
imagine  what  a  comical  appearance  they  cut  as  soldiers.  The  determination 
which  caused  them  to  grasp  a  musket  anil  powder-horn  can  be  seen  in  their 
faces,  as  well  as  the  fact  that  they  are  not  to  bo  fooled  with,  especially  in 
skirmishes  in  the  woods.  Seriously  speaking,  this  entire  nation  has  great 
natural  military  talent.  There  were  many  regiments  of  regulars  ^Continent- 
als) in  the  enemy's  army  who  had  not  been  properly  equipped  owing  to  the 
lack  of  time  and  scarcity  of  cloth.  They  have  flags  with  all  kinds  of  emblems 
and  mottoes. 

"  It  must  also  be  said  to  the  credit  of  the  enemy's  regiments,  that  not  a  man 
among  them  ridiculed  or  insulted  us  ;  and  none  of  them  evinced  the  least  sign 
of  hate  or  malicious  joy  as  we  marched  by.  On  the  contrary,  it  seemed  rather 
as  though  they  desired  to  do  us  honor.  As  we  filed  by  the  tent  of  General 
Gates,  he  invited  the  brigadiers  and  commanders  of  our  regiments  to  enter, 
and  when  they  had  done  so  he  placed  all  kinds  of  refreshments  before  them. 

"  Gates  is  a  man  between  fifty  and  sixty  years  of  age ;  wears  his  thin  gray 
hair  combed  around  his  head ;  is  still  lively  and  friendly,  and  constantly  wears 
spectacles  on  account  of  his  weak  eyes.  At  headqu<\rter8  we  met  many  officers, 
who  showed  us  all  manner  of  attention.  Philadelphia  officers,  men  of  our  own 
blood,  offered  to  make  our  stay  in  Pennsylvania  among  their  loved  relations 
pleasant  and  agreeable.  French  officers  overwhelmed  us  with  a  thousand  com- 
plimentary speeches;  and  a  number  of  officers  formerly  in  the  Prussian 
service  were  fairly  in  ecstacies  at  the  sight  of  our  blue  coats — bringing  back  to 
them  recollections  of  the  battles  of  Sohr,  Prague  and  Kesselsdorf. 

"Brigadier  Weissenfels  of  Konigsberg,  has  rendered  many  services  to  those 
of  our  officers  (seven  in  number)  who  were  taken  prisoners  (at  the  battles  of 
Saratoga).*    Wo  march  to-day  to  Freeman's  Farm,  four  miles  distant." 

*  WsUsenfeU,  Frederiok  H.,  Baron  de,  bom  In  Prusala  17U8,  died  In  New  Orlean*.  La.,  May  14, 1806; 
he  oommaDded  the  SJ  New  Turk  battalion  at  White  Plain*,  Trenton,  the  battles  of  Saratoga,  and  the 
battle  of  Monmouth.  He  waa  one  ef  the  original  founders  of  the  order  of  the  CInolonatl.  *  •  •  * 
The  statement  of  the  letter-writer,  that  so  many  Frenoh  and  Prussian  officers  were  in  Oeneral  Qates' 
Army,  la  quite  a  new  reveltitlon. 


!       1 
I       . 


HISTORY 


OF    THE 


Saratoga  Monument  Association 


1856-1891 


■  I 


"Loudly  may  laureled  Saratoga  claim 
A  marble  tribute  to  her  splendid  fame  i 
In  the  grand  chariot  which  her  war-steeds  drew 
-he  first  placed  Freedom,  pointed  to  her  view 
The  glorious  goal.     Shall  pagan  Egypt  bid 
The  heavens  be  cloven  with  her  pyramid  ? 
Shall  Greece  shrine  Phidias  in  her  Parthenon 
To  live  till  fade  the  stars  and  dies  the  sun  ? 
Rome  with  her  mighty  Coliseum  'whelm 
The  earth  with  awe?  A  peerless,  wondrous  realm- 
And  our  free  nation  meanly  shrink  to  write 
W.th  marble  finger,  in  the  whole  world's  sight 
Grand  Saratoga's  glory?    Sound  aloud  ' 

Song  thy  wide  trumpet !    Let  the  heavens  be  bowed 
With  love  of  country's  wrathful  thunders,  till 
A  reverent  people  with  united  will 
Shall  bid  the  Monument  arise  and  stand 
Freedom's  embodied  form  forever  in  the  land." 


"f!*fPH«MMMlHi)M#l 


1  * 


[/J^^-^z^ 


PRESIDENT  OF  THE  SARATOGA  MONUMENT  ASSOCIATION. 


UFFICb:H> 


>vm'i!TTEES 


Saratoga   !s\o\ 


Association 


i  8q  I 


i  ur  'Pi,  \i-u.  „:\ 
!AMi'''  M     MARVIN  WARNKk   MM  l.liK 


WILLIAM   L.   sr')NE 
L).   S.    POTLHR 


J*)HK  ti.  STARIN.  cX'Ojjuio  Ciiairm.jii 


LL«r<c 


i 


/ 


•mf:>jt  association 


OFFICERS  AND  COMMITTEES 


OF  THE 


Saratoga  Monument  Associat'on 

1 89 1 


Tresident 
JOHN   H.  STARIN 

Fice-Tresidents 
JAMES  M.  MARVIN  WARNER  MILLER 

Secretary 
WILLIAM   L.   STONE 

Treasurer 
D.   S.    POTTER 


P.  C.  FORD 
J.  M.  MARVIN 
C  W.  MAYHEW 


Executive  Committee 

D.  F.   RITCHIE 

EDWARD  WEMPLE 

JOHN  H.  STARIN.  ex-officio  Chairman 


Committee  on   Design 

WM.  L.  STONE  GEO.  W.  CURTIS 

JOHN  H.  STARIN  W.  A.  SACKETT 

D    F    RITCHIE  A.  de  R.  McNAIR 

■     ■      E    F.  BULLARO  JOHN  M.  READ 

p    ^    poRp  EDWARD  WEMPLE 

GEO.  S.  BATCHELLER  A.  B.  BAUCUS 

ELLIOTT  T.  SLOCUM  JOHN  FOLEY 

Committee  on   Tablets 


MRS.  E.  H.  WALWORTH 

A.  DE  R.  McNAIR 


D.  S.  POTTER 


Committee  on  Custody  of  the  Monument 

MRS.  E.  H.  WALWORTH    '  P-  C.  FORD 

C.  W.  MAYHEW  WILLIAM  L.  STONE 

A.    B.  BAUCUS 


Committee  on  Proper  Conduct  of  the  Dedication,  of  the  Monument 

A  DE  R.  McNAIR 

ELLIOTT  T.  SLOCUM 
S.  D.  KIRK 


P.  C.  FORD 

D.  S.  POTTER 

D.  A.  BULLARD 

C.  W.  MAYHEW 
JAMES  M.  MARVIN 

W.  A.  SACKETT 

D.  F.  RITCHIE 

CHARLES  S.  LEST^.R 
JOHN  M.  S1ARIN 


HORATIO  ROGERS 
JOHN  MERDITH  READ 

WILLIAM  L.  STONE 

LEMON  THOMPSON 

JOHN  G.  McNARY 
JOHN  FOLEY 


WARNER   MILLER 


Committee  on  Speakers 


WILLIAM  L.  STONE 

MRS.  E.  H.  WALWORTH 


P.  C.  FORD 


JOHN  H.  STARIN 


C,  S.  LESTER 


Advisory  Committee 
P.  C.  FORD 


E.  F.  BULLARD 


HISTORY  OF  THE  SARATOGA  MONUMENT  ASSOCIATION. 


"  The  battles  of  Bemis  Heights  and  Saratoga  (Stillwater),  and  the  surrender 
of  Lieutenant-General  John  Burgoyne,  on  the  17th  of  October,  1777,  formed 
a  niche  in  the  Temple  of  Liberty,  which  patriotism  will  one  day  fill  with  an 
appropriate  monument."  Actuated  by  this  sentiment,  on  17th  of  October, 
1856,  John  A.  Corey,  George  Stover,  and  other  patriotic  gentlemen,  met  at 
the  old  Schuyler  mansion  in  Schuylerville,  N.  Y.,  and  discussed  thvj  pre- 
liminary steps  to  be  taken  in  the  matter.  On  this  occasion,  Alfred  B.  Street 
delivered  a  poem  ;  a  banquet  was  given,  and  a  celebration  on  a  small  scale 
held.* 

The  result  of  this  meeting  was  the  organization,  in  1859,  by  Hamilton 
Fish,  Horatio  Seymour,  John  A.  Corey,  Peter  Gansevoort,  and  others,  of  the 
Saratoga  Monument  Association,  under  a  perpetual  charter  from  the  State  of 
New  York,  whose  object  was  the  erection  of  a  fitting  memorial  on  the  site  of 
Burgoyne's  surrender. 

The  original  board  consisted  of  fourteen  permanent  trustees  or  direct- 
ors, as  follows :  George  Stover,  WillJum  Wilcox  and  Henry  Holmes,  of  old 
Saratoga;  James  M.  Marvin,  John  A.  Corey  and  Jas.  M.  Cook,  of  Saratoga 
Springs;  Leroy  Mowry  and  Asa  C.  Tefft,  of  the  County  of  Washington;  Peter 
Gansevoort,  of  Albany ;  Hamilton  Fish,  of  New  York  ;  Philip  Schuyler,  of 
Westchester;  Geoxge  W.  Blecker,  of  Brooklyn,  and  Horatio  Seymour,  of 
Utica.  Upon  the  death  of  Mr.  Blecker,  in  i860,  Benson  J.  Lossing,  of  Pough- 
keepsie,  was  chosen  to  fill  the  vacant  place.  Soon  after  the  Association  was 
incorpor.   ed,  the  following  organization  was  perfected: 

Trustees  and  Officers. 

Hamilton  Fish,  New  York  City,  President;  Phillip  Schuyler,  Pelham  P.  O. 
N.  Y.,  Vice-President;  James  M.  Marvin,  Saratoga  Springs,  N.  Y.,  Treasurer; 
John  Romeyn  Brodhead,  New  York  City,  Corresponding  Secretary;  John  A. 
Corey,  Saratoga  Springs,  Secretary;  Horatio  Seymour,  Utica,  N.  Y.;  Benson 
J.  Lossing,  New  York  City;  Peter  Gansevoort,  Albany,  N.  Y.;  James  M.  Cook, 
Ballston  Spa,  N.  Y.;  Edward  C  Delavan,  Ballston  Centre,  N.  Y.;  William 
Wilcox,  Schuylerville;  Henry  Holmes,  Corinth,  N.  Y.;  Asa  C.  Tefft,  Fort 
Miller,  N.  Y.;  Leroy  Mowry,  Greenwich,  N.  Y. 

The  Trustees  held  several  meetings,  and  selected  the  spot  upon  which  to 
erect   the  Monument.     But  the  breaking   out   of  the  civil  war  in  1861  cast 

*  On  the  same  day  a  meeting  of  the  soldiers  of  the  war  of  iSia  was  held,  to  consult  about  their  pensions  and 
celebrate  the  surrender  of  BurKoyne. 


/r 


mmm 


46 


HISTORY   OF   THE   SARATOGA   MONPMBNT   ASSOCIATION. 


11  t 


such  a  gloom  over  the  whole  country,  and  taxed  the  patriotic  energies  of 
the  people  to  such  an  extent,  that  the  movement  to  build  the  Monument 
was  suspended  up  to  the  year  1872,  during  which  time  several  of  the 
original  Trustees  had  died.  In  the  early  autumn  of  that  year,  however, 
Mr.  Corey,  one  of  the  most  efficient  of  the  Trustees,  took  the  matter  up 
and  pushed  it  earnestly. 

The  first  section  of  the  Act  of  the  Legislature  of  the  State  of  New  York, 
passed  April  19,  1859,  chap.  498,  Laws  of  1859,  read  as  follows: 

Sec.  I.  "  George  Stover,  William  Wilcox,  and  their  associates,  shall  be 
a  body  corporate  and  politic,  by  the  name  and  style  of  the  Saratoga  Monu- 
ment Association,  for  the  purpose  of  taking  and  holding  sufficient  real  and 
personal  property  to  erect  on  such  spot  in  the  town  of  Saratoga,  and  as 
near  the  place  where  Burgoyne  surrenderv.d  tlie  British  army,  as  a 
majority  of  the  Trustees  hereinafter  named  shall  deem  practicable,  a  Monu- 
ment commemorative  of  the  battle  which  ended  in  Burgoyne's  surrender, 
on  the  seventeenth  day  of  October,  seventeen  hundred  and  beventy-seven." 

Section  four  of  this  Act  nam^'d  the  first  Board  of  Trustees  ;  but,  owing  to 
the  exertions  of  Mr.  Corey,  it  was  amended  by  the  Legislature  of  April 
30,  1873,  as  follows: 

Sec.  IV.  "  The  first  Board  of  Trustees  shall  consist  of  Hamilton  Fish 
and  William  L.  Stone,  of  the  City  of  New  York  ;  Horatio  Seymour,  of 
Utica;  Benson  J.  Lossing,  of  Poughkeepsie;  Asa  C.  Tefft,  of  the  town  of 
Fort  Edward;  Leroy  Mowry,  of  the  town  of  Greenwich;  James  M.  Marvin; 
and  John  A.  Corey,  of  Saratoga  Springs,  ar;d  Charles  H.  Payn,  of 
Saratoga." 

Dr.  Charles  H.  Payn  and  others  (Mr.  Corey  having  died),  now  went 
vigorously  to  work  ;  and  in  the  spring  of  1874,  the  Legislature,  owing  in  a 
large  measure  to  the  exertions  of  Horatio  Seymour  and  George  Batcheller, 
seconded  by  Smith  Weed  and  Bradford  L.  Prince,  voted  an  appropriation 
toward  the  erection  of  the  Monument  in  the  following  form  (Laws  of 
1874,  chap.  323,  page  387): 

"Whenever  it  shall  be  made  satisfactorily  to  appear  to  the  Comptroller 
of  the  State,  thai  the  Saratoga  Monument  Association  has  fixed  and  deter- 
mined upon  a  plan  for  a  Monument,  to  be  erected  at  Schuylerville,  Saratoga 
County,  in  commemoration  of  the  battle  of  Saratoga,  and  that  it  will  not 
cost  to  exceed  five  hundred  thousand,  nor  less  than  two  hundred  thousand 
dollars,  to  erect  and  complete  such  Monument  upon  such  plan,  and  that  the 
Association  has  received  and  paid  over  to  the  treasurer  from  private  subscrip- 
tions and  donations,  made  by  the  United  States  or  State  governments  of 
States,  at  least  a  sufficient  sum,  with  the  amount  hereby  specified,  to  complete 
said  Monument  upon  such  plans,  then  the  State  of  New  York  will  pay  and 


/•/7/// 


'I     Hit;  SARATOGA  MONUMENT  ASSOCIATION, 


oUmKn* 


,"'• 


*mvm 


|( 


46 


fflSTOin    OF   THK   SARATOGA    MONtTMKNT    ABfiJK'lA'n'MT. 


such  a  gloom  over  the  whole  country,  ;iiiil  taxct!  the  pr;:,itjc  energies  (A 
the  people  to  such  an  extent,  that  the  movemeni  to  l)i:''  he  Monumeit 
was  Mispeufied  \ip  to  tlic  year  1872,  during  wiii-l;  t  i  several  of  the 
original  Trustees  had  die<!.  In  the  early  autumn  of  li  . ;.  year,  however, 
Mr.  Corey,  one  of  the  most  efficient  of  the  Trustees,  ttmV  the  matter  up 
and  pushed  it  earnestly. 

The  first  section  of  ihc  Act  oi  tlie  F^egisiatuif  ui  th'.  ■  f  New  York, 
passed  April  19,  1859,  v  hap.  .49S,  Laws  of  i8s9>  *<^-&A  ,iS  in... 

Sec.  I.  "  George  Stover,  William  Wilcox,  and  their  as&ociates,  shall  be 
a  body  corporate  and  oolitic,  b\  the  name  and  nyo  >  '     itoga  Monu- 

ment Assc'ciation,  for  ihi    riii-n..-,e  of  takii'v    ">  I   Vi  ,f;nt  real  and 

personal   properly  to  ert.-  i  ch  spi.'  ;ga,  and   as 

near    the    place    where     Burgovne    sun?  1  ..rraV;    as    a 

majority  of  the  Trustees   hereinafter  nit'-  >•- .      >     :>te,  a  Monu- 

ment   conimomorative    of    tht:  battle  wli..  ,.!:.;.;  surrender, 

on  the  seventeenth  day  of   (October,  seventern  hundieci  and  rHnmiy-bcven." 

Section  four  of  this  Act  named  the  tirsf  Board  ot  Trustees  ;  but,  owing  to 
the  exertions  of  Mr.  Corey,  it  was  amenticd  by  the  Legislature  of  \pril 
30,  1873,  as  follow.s. 

Sf.c.  1V^  "The  first  Board  of  Trustees  shall  consist  of  Hamilton  Fish 
and  William  L.  Stone,  of  the  C"ity  of  New  York ;  Horatio  Seymour,  of 
Utica;  BensoTi  !.  Lossinti 
Fort  Edward;  l.eruy  .\I  1" 
and     lohn     A 


ot   Poughkeepsie:  Asa    C.  Tefft,  of  the  town    of 
y,  of    lln;   town  •!•    Greenwich;  James  M.  Marvin 
t\>ioy,     'ti     Saiaioga    Springs,    and    Charles     H.     I'i'  -n,     of 


Saratoi'j 

Dr.   !. 'l,..'  ■         ' 
vigorously  ; 
large  measure  t.)  t:;  : 
seconded   by  .Smift: 
toward   the  erection 


"^ivi^    .'\i\    iiihris  (Mr.  C'lroy    liaving  di'.-.J!,  -• 
.    '  liie  spring  oj    i'-'-4    (1)0    Legislat  or, '"■■ 

:  xi.:i!!ons  of  Horatio  Seymour  and  Geor^'c  B- 
We-<i   and  Bradford   L.   Pr\ar«,  voted   an  apr-: 
;    f        McnuniLiiv     ui     ,1.'     followusfi;-    /on 


of 


1874,  chap.  323,  page  387) 

"Whenever  it  shall   be  made  satibfaco  i,.»  ■■.  ..i^.p-i.?!  i'>  ti.     <    /niprroHer 
.>f  the  Slate,  that  the  Saratoga  Monument  Abf- ■: 'atior'   has  f^jifd   and  deter- 


mined upon  a  plan  for  a  Monumen'.  : 
County,  in  commemoration  of  the   nau 
cost  'o  exceed  five  hundred  thousand,  r  • 
doihirs,  to  erect  and  compkt*  such  Mont. 
Association  has  received 
tions  and  dnnatir"  •>,  ■    :' 
States,  at  ie -st  «     ' 
said  Monu.        ■         . 


"■  '    .  ^•     :     !ie,  Saratoga 

i^a,  an.l    (Hal  it  will    not 

,   I'vo   hundred  thousnud 

.<■  :i     lu.h  plan,  and  that  the 

isurer  from  private  snbscrip- 

ates   or  State  governments  of 

nt  hereby  specified,  to  complete 

"iLiie  of  New  York  will  pay  and 


\ 


^^^^n^^^" 


VICE-PRESIDENT  OF  THE  SARATOGA  MONUMENT  ASSOCIATION. 


'mm 


W  III  tiliP 


I 


mi 


HISTORY   OF  THE   SARATOGA   MONUMENT   ASSOCIATION, 


47 


contribute  by  appropriation  of  public  moneys,  the  sum  of  fifty  thousand 
dollars  to  aid  in  the  construction  of  such  Monument,  and  the  faith  of  the 
State  is  hereby  pledged  to  such  purpose  upon  such  conditions.  The 
plans  and  estimates  of  the  cost  of  said  Monument  aforesaid,  shall  be  submit- 
ted to  and  be  approved  by  the  Governor  and  Comptroller  of  this  State,  and 
the  Comptroller  of  this  State  is  hereby  made  the  treasurer  of  said  Monu- 
ment Association.  The  plan  so  fixed  and  adopted  as  aforesaid  shall  not 
hereafter  be  changed  without  the  consent  of  the  Governor  and  Comptroller, 
nor  so  as  to  increase  the  cost  of  said  monument," 

At  the  same  time  the  Secretary  of  the  Association  forwarded  petitions 
to  the  Legislatures  of  the  origiral  thirteen  States,  asking  for  $5,000  from 
each;  but,  with  the  exception  ot  Rhode  Island,  which  promised  that  sum 
conditionally,  no  favorable  response  was  obtained.  A  memorial  to  Congress 
was  also  drawn  up  by  the  Committee  on  Design. 

This  mem(jrial  was  forwarded  to  the  member  of  Congress  from  the 
Saratoga  district,  but  thinking  the  time  was  not  auspicious,  the  latter 
did  not  present  it. 

On  the  fourth  of  July,  1876,  a  historical  address  was  delivered  in 
Schuylerville,  by  Judge  E.  F.  Bullard,  which  had  a  happy  effect  in  arousing 
renewed  interest  in  the  necessity  for  building  a  Monument  on  the  ground 
made  sacred  by  the  memories  of  the  Revolution  of  1776.  This  address  was 
the  begining  of  the  series  of  events  of  the  centennial  years  which  led  up  to 
the  building  of  the  Monument. 

In  the  early  spring  of  the  next  centennial  year  (1877),  the  above  mentioned 
appropriation  of  $50,000  by  the  Legislature,  having  lapsed  by  law — more  than 
two  years  having  passed  since  it  was  given — a  petition  to  the  Legislature  of 
New  York  to  grant  such  aid  as  would  ensure  the  laying  of  the  corner  stone 
of  the  proposed  Monument  on  the  approaching  centennial  anniversary  of  the 
surrender,  was  prepared  and  signed  by  members  of  the  Monument  Associa- 
tion, and  by  a  large  number  of  the  most  prominent  men  in  Saratoga  and 
Washington  Counties.     This  petition  read  as  follows  : 


-(i 


"  To  the  Honorable  Senate  and  Assembly  of  the  State  of  New  York  : 

"Your  memorialists,  members  of  the  Saratoga  Monument  Association,  re- 
spectfully represent  that  in  their  humble  opinion,  considerations  of  high 
patriotic  duty  should  prompt  the  people  of  this  State  to  commemorate 
the  centennial  anniversary  of  the  great  victory  of  the  American  arms  at  Sar- 
atoga, by  ceremonies  appropriate  to  the  august  occasion  ;  and  paramount 
to  all  other  services,  they  think  should  be  the  laying  of  the  corner  stone 
of  the  contemplated  Monument  as  a  testimonial  of  their  appreciation  of 
those  great  events  to  succeeding  generations. 


48 


HISTORY   OK   TIIK   8ARATO<lA    MONUMENT    A880CIATION. 


f 


"Your  predecessors,  three  years  since,  appropriated  $50,000  for  this 
purpose,  conditional,  however,  on  the  addition  by  private  subscription  of 
$100,000  more.  This,  from  the  financial  deranj^cmenl  if  the  country,  more, 
as  it  is  hoped,  than  from  apathy  toward  the  object,  your  petitioners  have 
been  unable  to  obtain;  but,  unwilling  that  this  centennial  year  should 
elapse  without  a  proper  recognition  by  the  people  of  the  State  of  the 
supreme  importance  of  the  Saratoga  campaign  in  the  establishment  of 
American  independence,  they  would  earnestly  entreat  that  your  honorable 
body  would  favor  the  purpose  of  the  Monument  Association,  by  the  appro- 
priation of  such  funds  as  shall  be  requisite  to  enable  your  petitioners  to 
carry  out  the  contemplated  memorial." 

As  it  was  impossible  to  circulate  a  petition  throughout  the  State,  D.  S. 
Potter,  Esq.,  on  behalf  of  the  local  committee  of  Schuylerville,  to  aid 
the  purpose  of  the  Monument  Association,  addressed  letters  to  a  large 
number  of  influential  men  in  various  parts  of  the  State,  to  obtain  their 
\  iews  on  the  subject,  and  if  mec'  ig  their  approval  to  secure  their  co-oper- 
ation in  this  patriotic  movem  ..  The  answers  to  these  letters  showed 
that  there  was  an  earnest  desire  throughout  the  State  that  the  patriotic 
duty  of  erecting  a  fitting  memorial  to  mark  the  surrender  of  Burgoyne 
should  no  longer  be  delayed. 

By  way  of  seconding  this  petition  one  of  the  Vice-Presidents  of  the 
Saratoga  Monument  Association,  Hon.  J.  V.  L.  Pruyn,  and  its  Secretary,  Wm. 
L.  Stone,  appeared  before  the  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means,  and  asked 
for  an  appropriation  sufficient  at  least  to  construct  the  foiindation  of  an 
appropriate  monument,  and  to  fittingly  celebrate  the  laying  of  its  corner 
stone.  This  committee  generously  responded.  Acting  upon  their  recom- 
mendation, the  Legislature  voted  $10,000  for  this  object.  Governor  Robin- 
son, however,  vetoed  this  bill.  All  that  was  left  the  Association,  therefore, 
was  to  issue  an  appeal  to  the  patriotic  people  throughout  the  State,  asking 
for  aid.  This  appeal,  considering  the  times,  met  with  a  comparatively  gen- 
erous response  in  money  and  material,  by  which  the  Association  was 
enabled  to  lay  the  foundation  of  the  Monument  and  the  corner  stone,  together 
with  one-fourth  of  the  plinth  or  base. 

Since  the  passage  of  the  Act  of  1874,  Mr.  Corey  and  Chancellor  Pruyn 
have  died,  and  several  other  gentlemen  of  well-known  standing  have  been 
elected  Trustees.  The  Trustees  of  the  Association,  therefore,  at  the  present 
time  (1878),  arc  as  follows  :  Horatio  Seymour,  William  J.  Bacon,  Utica 
N.  Y.;  James  M.  Marvin,  Charles  H.  Payn,  Edward  F.  Bullard,  David  F. 
Ritchie,  Saratoga  Springs,  N.  Y.;  William  L.  Stone,  Gen.  J.  Watts  de 
Peyster,  Algernon  S.  Sullivan,  B.  W.  Throckmorton,  New  York  City ; 
Daniel  A.  Bullard,  P.  C.  Ford,  H.  Clay  Holmes,  Charles  W.  Mayhew,  Schuy- 


' 


H!91X)BY   OF   TFIE   SARATOGA    MONUMENT   AS80CUTTON. 


49 


,  i 


lervule,  N.  Y.;  Leroy  Mowry,  Greenwich,  N.  Y.;  Asa  C.  Teffl  Fort 
Miller,  N.  Y.;  E.  R.  Mudge,  Best,  n,  Mass.;  E.  W.  B.  Canning.  Stock- 
bridge,  Mass.;  Frank  Pruyii,  Mechaiii.svill.-,  N  Y.;  Webster  Wagnn,  Pala- 
tine Bridge,  N.  Y.;  James  H.  Kelly  Rochester,  N.  Y.;  Giles  B.  Slo- 
cum,  Trenton,  Mich.;  Benson  J.  Lossing,  Dover  Plains,  N.  Y.;  Gen.  John 
M.  Read,  [oil  Munsell,  Lemon  Thompson,  Albany,  N.  Y.;  Gen.  Stephen  D. 
Kirk,  Charleston,  S.  C;  Horatio  Rogers,  Providence,  R.  I. 

At  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Association,  held  in  the  parlors  of  the  United 
States  Hotel,  at  Saratoga  Springs,  N.  Y.,  on  the  ist  day  of  August,  1877, 
It  was  resolved  to  invite  the  Grand  Lodp^e  of  the  State  of  New  York  to 
lay  the  corner  stone  of  the  Monument,  at  the  approaching  centennial  of  Bur- 
goyne's  surrender,  on  the  17th  of  the  following  October.  The  following 
correspondence  then  followed  ; 

New  York  Crrv,  September  7,  1877. 
J.  J.  Couch,  G.  M.  State  0/  New  York. 

Dear  Sir— The  citizens  of  Schuylerville,  N.  Y.,  hrve  requested  the  Sar- 
atoga Monument  Association  to  invite  the  Grand  Master  and  Grand 
Lodge  of  the  State  of  New  York  to  lay  the  corner  stone  of  the  Saratoga 
Monument,  to  commemorate  the  nrrender  of  General  Burgoyne,  on  the  inh 
of  October  next.  * 

I  need  not  say,  sir,  in  being  the  instrument  of  conveying  this  invitation 
how  much  pleasure  it  would  give  the  Saratoga  Monument  Association  to 
have  this  invitation  accepted  ;  and  if  you  could  make  it  convenient  yourself 
to  attend  and  perform  this  august  ceremony,  it  would  doubtless  gratify 
not  only  the  Masons  in  the  immediate  vicinity,  but  the  fraternity  throughout 
the  United  States. 

Washington,  who  through  Schuyler,  planned  the  campaign  which  won 
the  battle  of  Saratoga,  was  a  Mason  ;  and  therefore,  aside  from  the  respect 
which  we  pay  to  living  Masons,  we  pay— and  you,  sir,  pay  in  this  also— 
homage  to  the  memory  of  one  of  its  greatest  and  most  revered  members 

No  expense,  permit  me  to  add,  will  be  suffered  to  be  incurred  by  the 
Grand  Lodge,  while  our  guests.     Hoping  for  a  favorable  reply,  I  remain, 

Respectfully  yours, 

William  L.  Stone, 
Sec'y  Saratoga  Monument  Association. 


New  York,  September  14,  1877. 
Wm.  L.  Stone,  Esq.,    Secretary  Saratoga  Monument  Association. 

My  Dear  Sir— I  have  received  your  letter  of  invitation,  conveying  the 
wish  of  the  good  people  of  Schuylerville,  and  your  associates,  that  the  corner 


i 


50 


HTBTORT   OF   TIIK    8ABATOOA    MONI7MKNT    AB80CIATT0N. 


Stone  of  the  •'  Surutugu  Monument "  should  be  laid  by  the  Grand  Master 
of  Masons  in  the  State  of  New  York,  and  liat  this  service  should  be  per- 
formed on  the  17th  day  of  October,  prox.,  it'  connection  with  the  celebration 
of  the  centennial  of  Burgoyne's  surrender. 

Your  cordial  invitation  is  cheerfully  accepted  ;  and  in  company  with  the 
odicers  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  New  York,  I  will  attend  at  the  appointed 
time  and  place,  prepared  to  perform  the  ceremony  of  laying  tiic  corner 
stone  in  "  ample  form,"  according  to  the  time-honored  usages  of  our  fraternity. 
Right  Worshipful  John  C.  Boak,  Grand  Marshal,  will  take  charge  of  the  pre- 
liminary arrangements  on  the  part  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 

Address,  No.  8  Fourth  avenue,  New  York  City. 

Very  respectfully  yours, 

J.  J.  Couch,  Grand  Mastrr. 


Accordingly  a  procession,  two  miles  in  length,  and  forming  the  most 
splendid  civic,  masonic  and  military  pageant  ever  witnessed  in  Northern 
New  York,  marched  to  the  site  of  the  Monument,  where,  in  the  presence  of 
forty  thousand  people,  the  corner  stone  was  laid  by  the  Grand  Master,  in 
"due  and  ancient  form,"  the  latter  delivering  on  the  occasion  an  unusually 
impressive  address.  Upon  the  conclusion  of  the  Grand  Master's  address,  the 
Grand  Secretary  read  a  list  of  the  articles  deposited  within  the  corner  stone. 
These  are  the  following  : 

List  OF  Articles  Deposited  Within  THE  Corner  Stone  of  the  Saratoga 

Monument,  Oct.  17,  1877. 

A  History  of  the  Saratoga  Monument  Association,  by  its  Secretary,  Wm.  L. 
Stone. 

A  copy  of  the  Bible,  translated  out  of  the  original,  presented  by  the  Saratoga 
County  Bible  Society. 

Burgoyne's  Campaign  and  St.  Leger's  Expedition,  by  Wm.  L.  Stone. 

Mrs.  Ellen  Hardin  Walworth's  Saratoga,  the  Battles  and  Battleground, 
Visitors'  Guide. 

A  copy  of  Mrs.  Willard's,  History,  and  an  American  flag,  presented  by  R.  N. 
Atwell. 

General  Schuyler  and  Burgoyne's  Campaign  of  1777,  being  the  annual  ad- 
dress delivered  by  Gen.  J.  Watts  de  Peyster  before  the  New  York  His- 
torical Society  of  New  York  City. 

Saratoga  County,  an  Historical  Address,  by  George  S.  Scott,  and  a  Centen- 
nial address,  by  J.  L.  L'Amoreaux. 

Saratoga  and  Kay-ad-ros-se-ra,  a  Centennial  address,  by  N.  B.  Sylvester. 


niSTORY   OK    THE   SABATCKJA    MONtTMKNT    AHSOOIATION. 


5« 


The  Burgoyne  Campaign  ;  an  Address  Delivered  on  the   Battlefield  on  the 

One-hundredth  Anniversary  of  the  Battle  of  Bemis  Heights,  September 

•9.  «777.  by  John  Austin  Stevens. 
History  of  Saratoga  and  the  Burgoyne  Campaign,  by  General  Edward  F 

Bui  lard. 
An  Address  to  the  American  People  in  behalf  of  a  Monument  to  be  erected  in 

Commemoration   of   the   American   Army   at    Saratoga,  under   Generals 

Schuyler,  Gates,  Arnold  and  Morgan,  October  17,  1777,  by  J.C.  Markham. 
Leading  Industrial  Pursuits  of  Glen's  Falls,  Sandy  Hill,  and  Fort  Kdward, 

by  J.  S.  Buckley. 
A  silver  half-dollar  coin  of  George  HI,  dated    1777,  and  one  of  the  United 

States,  dated  1877,  deposited  by  Alanson  Welch,  President  of  the  Village 

of  Schuylerville. 
Memorial  of  the  Opening  of  the  New  York  and  Canada  Railway,  presented 

by  E.  F.  BuUard. 
Song,  commemorative  of  the  surrender  of  Burgoyne,  arranged  by  Col.  B.  C. 

Butler,  of  Luzerne,  N.  Y. 
Annual  Report  of  the  Canal  Commissioners  of  the  State  of  New  York. 
Records  of  Schuyler  Lodge,  No.  176,  F.  and  A.  M.,  and  Home  Chapter,  No. 

176,  R.  A.  M. 
A  photograph  of  the  Monument,  from  the  architect's  drawing. 
The  cards  of  John  and  Samuel  Matthews  and  E.  F.  Simmons,  the  operative 

masons  who  built  the  foundation,  base  and  corner  stone  of  the  Monument. 
The  Architect's  statement  of  the  progress  of  the  work  of  building  the  founda- 
tion, base  and  corner  stone.     David  A.  BuUard  in  charge. 
Prospectus  of  the  Bennington  Battle  Monument  Association  ;  a  forthcoming 

volume,  on  the  Bennington  Centennial,  of  the  week  of  the  i6th  of  August 

1877. 

A  pamphlet  containing  a  statement  of  the  Bennington  Historical  Society,  and 
an  account  of  the  battle  of  Bennington,  by  ex-Governor  Hiland  Hall, 
published  in  March,  1877. 

The  Standard  (daily),  Schuylerville ;  The  Saratoga  County  Standard,  (weekly), 
Schuylerville  ;  The  Saratogian  (daily).  The  Sun  (weekly),  Saratoga  Springs; 
Troy  Daily  Press,  Daily  Whig,  Northern  Budget,  Observer,  Sunday  Trojan, 
Troy,  N.  Y.;  Argus,  Press,  Express,  Journal,  Times,  Post,  Albany,  N.  Y.; 
Herald,  Times,  Tribune,  Sun,  World,  Express,  New  York  City. 


The  exercises  which  followed  the  laying  of  the  corner  stone  were  of  a 
high  order  of  literary  excellence,  and  fully  in  keeping  with  the  august  cele- 
bration which  they  were  intended  to  commemorate.  They  were  conducted 
in  the  following  order: 


52 


HI8TOP^     OF   THE    SiKATOOA   MONUMENT   ASSOCIATION. 


>l 


First  Grand  Stand. 

Music,  Doring's  Band. 

Prayer,  Rev.  Rufus  W.  Clark,  D.D.,  of  Albany,  Chaplain. 

Music. 
Introductory  address  by  the  President  of  the  Day,  Hon.  Charles  S.  Lester 

Music. 

Oration  by  ex-Governor  Horatio  Seymour. 

Oration  by  George  William  Curtis. 

Music. 

Poem  by  Alfred  B.  Street,  read  by  Col.  E.  P.  Howe. 

Music. 
Address  by  Hon.  Lafayette  S.  Foster. 

Sfxond  Grand  Stand. 

Music,  Colt's  Army  Band,  Hartford,  Conn. 

Prayer,  Rev,  F.  E.  King,  of  Fort  Edward,  N.  Y.,  Chaplain. 

Music. 

Introductory  Address,   Hon.  George  W.  Schuyler  (in   the  absence  of   Gen. 

Edward  F.  Bullard),  President  of  the  Day. 

Music. 

Historical  Address  by  William  L.  Stone. 

Address  by  Hon.  B.  W.  Throckmorton,  of  New  Jersey.     Subject,  "  Arnold." 

Music. 
Fitz   Green    Halleck's    Field   of    the    Grounded    Arms,   read   by   Halleck's 
biographer.  Gen.  James  Grant  Wilson. 
Addresses  by  Hon.  A.  A.  Gates,  and  H.  L.  Gladding. 
Ode  by  Gen.  J.  Watts  de  Peyster,  read  by  Rev.  J.  R.  Van  Doren. 
The  Star  Spangled  Banner,  arranged  for  the  anniversary  of  Burgoyne's  sur- 
render, by  Col.  B.  C.  Butler.     Read  by  William  L.  Stone. 
Letters  from    Benson   J.   Lossing,  Mrs.   Ellen    Hardin    Walworth,  Giles    B. 
Slocum,  and  General  Stephen   D.  Kirk,  of  Charleston,  S.  C.     Read  by 
Col.  D.  F.  Ritchie. 

Short  addresses  by  Hon.  Algernon  S.  Sullivan  and  E.  L.  Fursman. 

Grand  Banquet. 
Brilliant  military  spectacle,  representing  the  Surrender  of  Burgoyne's  Army. 

It  is  now  proposed,  whenever  sufficient  funds  are  raised,  to  make  the 
structure  (designed  by  J.  C.  Markham,  of  New  York  City)  of  granite,  and  of 
the  obelisk  form,  "he  concrete  foundation,  forty  feet  square  and  eight  feet 
deep,  as  well  as  a  quarter  of  the  granite  plinth  or  base  (coirering  the  entire 
foundation),  four  and  a  hah  feet  high,  and  the  corner  stone,  ten  feet  square 
and  two  feet  high,  are  already  completed.     Upon  this  base  the  main  shaft  of 


HISTORY    OF   THE    SARATOGA   MONUMENT    ASSOCIATION. 


53 


the  monument  is  to  be  twenty  feet  square,  exclusive  of  buttresses,  which  pro- 
ject three  feet  on  each  side.  The  height  is  to  be  150  feet.  The  interior  at  the 
base  will  be  a  room  twelve  feet  square,  floored  with  encaustic  tile  of  original 
and  historic  design.  The  stairs  ascending  to  the  several  hoors  are  to  be  of 
bronze;  the  doors,  also,  arc  to  be  of  bronze,  the  panels  to  be  filled  with  origi- 
nal historical  subjects,  designed  by  such  eminent  artists  as  Launt  Thompson, 
E.  D.  Palmer,  J.  Q.  Ward  and  J.  C.  Taylor.  On  the  four  corners  of  the  plat- 
form are  to  be  mounted  four  of  the  large  and  ornamental  bronze  cannon  taken 
from  the  EngliTii  at  the  time  of  surrender.  Of  the  large  niches  in  the  four 
gables,  three  are  to  be  filled  with  appropriate  groups  of  sculpture  in  bronze, 
representing  the  th-  generals,  Schuyler,  Gates  and  Morgan,  with  their  ac- 
cessories, the  fourt',  .  mg  vacant,  with  the  word  Arnold  inscribed  underneath. 
Tile  Association  1  v  obtained  by  purchase  two  acres  of  land  near  the  en- 
trance to  Prospect  Hill  Cemetery,  on  which  the  foundation  for  the  proposed 
Monument  has  been  built.  The  spot  is  directly  west  of  the  mouth  of  Fish 
Creek,  on  the  high  ground  overlooking  the  alluvial  meadow  where  the  British 
laid  down  their  arms.  It  is  as  near  as  can  conveniently  be  placed  to  where  the 
headquarters  of  Gates  were  situated,  which  witnessed  the  formal  unfurling, 
for  the  first  time,  of  the  Stars  and  Stripes.* 


The  successful  passage  of  the  bill  through  the  Legislature  of  an  appro- 
priation of  ten  thousand  dollars  for  the  Sar urogr.  Monument,  although  it  was 
vetoed  by  the  Governor,  proved  that  ttiv  sentiment  of  the  people  was  in  favor 
of  State  aid  to  this  Association.  Based  upon  a  belief  in  this  patriotism,  and  with 
the  private  subscriptions  given  for  the  purpose,  the  proceedings  of  the  Centen- 
nial celebration  just  related  were  undertaken  and  successfully  accomplished. 

Thus  at  the  end  of  the  year  1878,.  which  closes  the  admirable  history  of 
the  Association  by  Mr.  W.  L.  Stone,  we  find  that  the  long-projected  Monument 
had  a  local  habitation  and  a  name.  One-fourth  01  the  foundation  was  built, 
but  this  foundation  stood  solely  as  a  suggestion  and  an  inspiration  to  the 
Association.  Not  one  dollar  in  the  treasury,  and  with  some  embarrassment 
in  regard  to  the  land  on  which  the  Monument  had  been  started,  and  a  few 
debts  to  be  settled,  the  outlook  would  have  been  dreary  indeed  to  any  but  the 
few  enthusiastic  members  who  now  enlisted  more  vigorously  than  ever  rn  the 
work  before  them. 

The  address  which  was  delivered  on  the  battle-ground  during  the  Cen- 
tennial  proceedings  by  Governor  Seymour  has  become  world  renowned  from 

*  It  is  true  that  a  flag  intended  for  tiie  Stars  and  Stripes,  and  made  out  of  a  white  shirt  and  some 
bits  o.'  red  cloth  from  the  petticoat  of  a  soldier's  wife,  firs',  floated  on  captured  standards  on  the  ramparts  of 
Fort  Stanwix,  August  5th,  1777;  but  the  Stars  and  Stripes  as  we  see  them— except  as  to  the  number  ol 
stars— was  first  unfurled  to  grace  the  surrender  at  Saratoga.  See  De  Peyster's  "Justice  to  Schuyler." 
The  Fort  Stanwix  flag  is  now  in  the  possession  of  Mrs.  Abraham  Lansinir,  of  Albany,  N.  V. 


54 


HISTORY    OF   THE   SARATOGA   MONUMENT   ASSOCIATION. 


^£ 


its  sententious  style,  and  the  broad  yet  profound  scope  of  its  arguments  and 
illustrations.  It  was  a  source  of  encouragement  to  the  Association,  who 
during  the  next  year  had  the  misfortune  to  lose,  by  resignation  on  account  of 
ill-health,  the  invaluable  services  of  Chancellor  J.  V.  L.  Pruyn,  its  Vice-Presi- 
dent, and  Mr.  Benson  Lossing,  each  of  whom  had  exercised  his  influence  and 
ability  in  its  behalf. 

Early  in  the  year  1880,  Hon.  John  H.  Starin,  w'th  the  patriotism  which  is 
characteristic  of  him,  introduced  a  bill  in  the  House  of  Representatives  to  aid 
in  building  the  Saratoga  Monument.  In  April  it  was  reported  favorably  by  the 
Military  Committee  to  which  it  hiid  been  consigned. 

Meetings  of  the  Association  iu  this  year  were  most  important  in  their 
results,  and  were  the  last  over  which  Governor  Seymour  presided;  extracts  of 
these  meetings  are  here  givc.i: 

"  The  Board  of  Trustees  held  their  annual  meeting  at  Saratoga  Springs, 
in  the  United  States  Hotel,  on  the  17th  of  August,  1880,  Hon.  Horatio  Sey- 
mour in  the  chair,  Hon.  D.  A.  Bullard,  P.  C.  Ford,  and  Col.  D.  F.  Ritchie,  E. 
F.  Bullard,  and  Dr.  C.  H.  Payne  in  .iti  adance.  The  Secretary  read  letters 
from  the  Vice-Presidents  and  others,  regretting  their  inability  to  attend.  In  a 
letter  from  Hon.  John  Starii,  he  said  : 

"'The  bill  introduced  at  the  last  session  of  Congress,  asking  for  aid  in 
our  undertaking,  was  not  reached  before  adjournment.  It  will  pass  the  next 
session  in  my  judgment.  Th^-  House  was  ready  to  pass  it  then,  but  it  was 
thought  best  to  have  it  brought  up  in  the  Senate  first,  and  it  was  not  reached. 
No  effort  on  my  part  will  be  spared  when  Congress  again  meets,  to  push  it 
through  to  a  favorable  conclusion. 

*  Truly  yours, 

'  Jno.  H.  Starin.'" 

Mr.  C.  M.  Bliss,  Secretary  of  the  Bennington  Monument  Association,  had 
been  invited  to  attend  the  meeting,  and,  at  the  request  of  Governor  Seymour, 
addressed  the  Association,  stating  what  he  knew  oi  the  sentiment  of  Congress 
in  regard  to  appropriating  money  for  monuments  on  Revolutionary  battle- 
fields, and  showing  that  there  is  an  increasing  interest  in  that  body  on  the  sub- 
ject. He  said,  further,  "  that  the  main  objection  to  an  appropriation  for  the 
Yorktown  Monument  a'-pse  from  the  precedent  which,  it  was  feared,  would  be 
established,  so  that  Congress  would  be  compelled  to  build  monuments  on  all 
the  battle-fields  of  the  Revolution.  When  it  was  discovered  that  only  York- 
town  expected  Congress  to  do  the  whole  work,  and  that  other  places  only 
asked  assistance,  and  the  Revolutionary  battle-fields  were  few  in  number,  so 
that  even  if  Congress  were  to  build  a  monument  on  every  one  of  them  it  would 
not  bankrupt  the  treasury,  the  change  of  sentiment  in  that  body  was  quite 
manifest.     Senator  Kernan  told  the  Senate  that  if  Congress  should  do  what 


1  It 


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^-VlCE-PRjasMiRNfT  OP  TUF.  SARATOGA  MONUMENT  ASSOCIATION. 


\ 


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.41 


54 


HtSTOKT    OF    THB   SARA'KXJA    MOMCMIKT    AMBOJlATTON. 


A 


its  sententious  Hyh,  and  the  broad  yet  profound  scope  01  .  trguments  and 
iilust  rations.  !t  was  a  son rce  of  encouragement  to  th*  /.  i.sociaiion,  who 
duitiiK  the  next  year  bad  the  misfortune  to  lose,  by  resignali-'i!  )n  ac(  ount  of 
ill-hfr-lth,  the  invaluable  services  of  Chancelloi  J.  V.  L  Pr<i\r  »rs  Vice-Presi- 
deni.  and  Mr.  Benson  Lossing,  each  of  whom  had  exercised  h>s  influence  and 
ability  in  its  behalf. 

Early  in  the  year  jS8o,  Hon.  John  H.  Startn,  with  the  patrk.usm  which  i; 
characteristic  of  him,  introduced  a  bill  in  the  House  ot  Represfntiitives  to  aid 
in  birlding  Hie  Sarat>ga  Monument..  In  April  it  was  reported  U%orably  by  the 
Military  C<.jmmittee  to  which  ii  had  been  consigned. 

Meetings  of  the  Association  in   this  year  were  »nt>st  inip'-i. 
results,  and  were  the  last  over  which  Governor  Seyiocjur  pre^'  ' 

these  meetings  are  here  giv»n: 

•'The  Hoard  of  Trustee;,  held  ihei  ,  .  ,j  ^ti^ifejif  at  SaratogA  Springs, 
in  the  United  States  Hotel,  on  the  J7th  of  Aug«s*,  iftSo,  Hoo,  Horatio  Sey- 
mour in  the  chair,  Hon.  E).  A  Bullard,  P  C.  Ford,  and  Col.  I)  F.  Ritchie,  E. 
F.  Bullard,  and  Dr.  C.  H.  Payne  in  attendr'--  The  Secretary  read  letters 
from  the  Vice-Presidents  and  others  reg  •  ,  their  inability  to  attend.  In  a 
letter  from  Hon.  John  Starin,  he  said  : 

'"The  bill  introduc»;d  at  the  last  session  of  Congress,  asking  for  aid  in 
our  undertaking,  was  not  reached  before  adjournment.  It  will  pass  the  next 
session  in  my  judgment.  The  House  was  ready  to  pass  it  then,  but  it  was 
thought  best  to  have  it  brought  up  in  the  Senate  first,  and  it  was  not  reached. 
No  effort  on  my  t»art  will  be  spared  when  Congress  again  meets,  to  push  it 
through  to  a  favo(Able  <"onclijsion. 

'  Truly  yours, 

*  i-'O.  H.  SxJis 

Mr.  C.  M.  BlifiS,  S*er»ta»ry  of  the  Bennington  Monument   A-«'.*  ,i 

been  invited  to  attend  the  meeting,  and,  at  the  reqncv;  <^i  Ci' 
addressed  the  Av»c)c»atkf«i,  !ii:ating  what  he  knew 
in  regard  to  appropj«a'iag  money  for  monutru 
field.s,  and  showing  that  ihcte  is  an  increasing  >■■<- 
ject.  He  said,  further,  "that  the  main  object 
Yorktown  .Monunient  ar<'Se.  fro.m  the  pre 
established,  .so  that  Congress  would  be  < 
the  battle-fiekls  of  the  Rv.vulntion.  W^ 
town  exptrcted  Congress  to  do  the  ^ 
asked  assistance,  UK;  the  RevolutioiJi*' 
that  even  if  Ci>ngi«\>;  w-ie  lohK-ild  i^.  •:  inumtint  on  every  one  of  them  it  would 
not  iianknipi  the  trea,sury,  t;'t<r  .#.uwft|f;^!  ti  sentiment  in  that  body  was  quite 
mani<'est.     Senator  Ker;ian  fold  my  ^tmnte  that  if  ^  ■^-     -^<: :  should  do  utrhat 


ir, 

•  t.y  u:im\  ■ 

ri  rh'.;  sub- 

■■■■'■■'■   ■>   .■>r:tlie 

.uiU,  it,  *i> ,  iiiarcd,  would  b 

i  tobjiild  monuments  on  all 

;ts  discovered  that  only  York 

.  'fls,  and  that  other  places  only 

L'rr-fietds  were  few  in  number,  so 


;r 


;^.  :/v  >.  -' 


il 


lii 


I 


jd. 
it 


ur, 


lilV 

.'le 
all 


,>rk- 


JOHN  V.   L.  PRUVN, 
EX-VICE-PRESIDENT  OF  THE  SARATOGA  MONUMENT  ASSOCIATION. 


nil., 
lit; 
hi  I 


■I..I-IHI  mimpiig,.  ii;,miii.y(ii«i.. 


11     i 


HIBTORT   or   THE   8ABAT0OA   MONtlMKNT   ASSOCIATION. 


5S 


dollars,  and  the  expenditure  would  cover  ^^^JJ  Congress  in  aid  of 

feeling  that  general  l^g-f^^VlW  from  th    treasury  for  every  dollar 
local  effort  to  the  extent  of  o^/^^"^^^^^'"  ^^^^  ^ed  from  abuse,  it  would  un- 
at  home.     If  such  a  law  could  be  properly  guarded 

doubtedly  pass."  Governor  Seymour,  in  corroboration  of 

At  the  close  of  Mr.  Bliss  s  speecn  o  '       ^y     sentiment  to  an 

his  remarks  in  regard  to  ^^^^ -"^^^  ^l^^^^^^ ft  was  more  difficult  to  do 

appreciation  of  monuments,  saiQ,     ^"'^  ^      g^^te  was  composed  in  a 

Ts  in  New  York  was  that  the  P^P^/^^  °;^^;' ^^^^^^^^^ 

nieasure  of  different  "^^^""f  ^^'=^' .y.^'/^^^hi,;  they  reverenced.     Still,  much 

ous,  and  consequently  had  ^^^^dtS^^^^^^^ 

could,  and  had  already  been  ^o"    -  e^-atrng  ^^^^p^^^^^  example,  the 

the  deeds  of  ihe.r  ancestors      At  the  Ons       y  R.^^i^tion)  turned 

Germans  (the  descendants  of  those  who  had  fm.gh  ^,,,bration  one 

out  and  made  a  magnificent  ^-Pl^y.  J";^^^. '^"""^o  extravagantly,  when  a 
gentleman  being  asked  by  another  why  ^e  "ep-f^  ^  ^J^  ^„,^  ,f  the 

few  weeks  since  he  -^V'     ^iT     m  1^^^ 

deeds  of  my  ancestors  before !     ]  ^.s  rcmm  ^  ^^  _^^  ^  ^^^^^^ 

having  thrashed  a  Jew,  — '^^^^^r,^  .^'d  the  other,  'that  was  done  ,800 
fellows  crucified  our  Saviour,     ^/^"t'  ^"^°'"'/^f  -^  ,„,  yesterday.'" 
yearsago.-     'Well/ he  replied     I  never^^^^^^^^^^  ^^  ^^,^^  ,^,, 

Thus,  those  who  never  heard  ot  these  g  ^^^^^^  ^^^  ^^^^^      .  it  ^as,' 

brations  been  educated  ^«  l^/^l^^"^^;'^:   ^ "egret  to  him  to  see  the  way  in 
continued  Governor  Seymour,      a  "^^tter  o        S  ^^.^^  ^^^    ^^^^^^ 

which   Congress   appropnatea  -°"27tltn  they  are  now  putting  on  public 

money  was  turned-the  mere  ^'""^^'"T'l^lZJ  L'^^^^ 

buildings,  which  often  disfigure  rather  than  ad^^^^^^  ^^^^   ^^^^^  ^^^^^ 

year  the  expense  of   erecting  ^"\^^^  ^^  ™^;;;"^,d   the  graves  of  men  who 

Ipots,the  sites  of  g--V""'VtheTndep     c^J^ce  <.f  our  co^ 

sLrificed  their  lives  in  obtamingthMndeperdei  ^^^    ^    ^ 

On  motion  of  Col.  Ritchie  and  Gen.  """^^d' ^^^  ^^  ,^  ^ere  added  to 

Potter  and  Mrs.  Walworth,  who  had  been  invited  to  be  prese    , 

Z^^Tl^r^^^^^^^-^'  He.Ms.a„a  a..  *a. 
^°^Srro'*rorMtp"T'Fo"d,.he  «owiag  .eso.u.i.„  »as  ,K.n 
''""it*..,  Tha.  a  commUtee  be  ap„oi„,ed  by  Ae  chal.  of  meters  of 


56 


HISTOHY   OF  THE  SABATOaA   MONUMENT  ASSOCIATION. 


I'<    I 


the  Association  and  others,  to  procure  memorial  stones  or  other  marks  to 
designate  the  points  of  interest  on  the  Saratoga  battle-grounds  at  Bern  is 
Heights,  Freeman's  Farm,  Wilbur's  Basin  and  other  places  connected 
with  the  Burgoyne  campaign,  to  carry  out  the  suggestion  of  Mrs.  Walworth. 
The  committee  to  carry  out  this  resolution  were  Mrs.  Walworth,  Geo.  W. 
Neilson,  James  M.  Marvin,  N.  B.  Sylvester,  D.  F.  Ritchie,  W.  L.  Stone  and 
George  Ensign. 

A  discussion  was  then  held  in  regard  to  the  immediate  prosecution  of 
the  building  of  the  Monument,  during  which,  on  motion  of  Gen.  Bullard,  the 
following  resolution  was  adopted: 

Resolved,  "  That  the  design  now  submitted  by  J.  C.  Markham  (the 
original  architect  of  the  Association),  be  adopted,  subject  to  such  modifica- 
tion as  the  Association  shall  hereafter  make."  * 

Gov.  Seymour  then  suggested  that  the  details  of  getting  proposals  for 
furnishing  granite,  building  the  Monument,  etc.,  be  left  to  the  Building 
Committee.  This  was  at  once  concurred  in,  and  the  Building  Committee 
was  duly  authorized  to  proceed,  and  also  to  arrange  in  regard  to  the  title 
of  the  ground  on  which  the  Monument  was  to  be  placed. 

Before  the  close  of  the  meeting  the  Secretary  presented  bronze  medallions 
to  Gov.  Seymour  and  the  Trustees  present.  They  were  the  gift  of  Mr. 
Henry  Whitmore,  of  New  Jersey,  and  bear  on  one  side  a  representation  of 
Burgoyne  surrendering  his  sword  to  Gates,  in  has  relievo,  and  the  legend 
"Salus  Regionem  Septemtrional"  (a  facsimile  of  the  seal  of  the  Associa- 
tion), and  on  the  other  side  a  picture  of  the  Monument  when  completed. 

During  no  period  of  the  history  of  the  Saratoga  Monument  Association 
has  it  held  a  meeting  so  auspicious  and  satisfactory  in  every  respect. 
Gov.  Seymour,  though  in  feeble  health,  was  present  at  great  personal  sacri- 
fice; the  discussions  were  hearty,  full  and  unanimou".;  and  more  gratifying 
than  all  was  the  promise  of  the  work  being  at  once  taken  up  with  a  will  and 
pushed  forward  to  a  successful  completion." 

A  special  meeting  of  the  Saratoga  Monument  Association  was  held  Aug- 
ust 3isf,  1880,  at  its  accustomed  place  of  meeting,  the  parlors  of  the  United 
HlntttH  I  Intel,  Smiitnga  Hprhigs,  Hon,  Horatio  Seymour  in  the  chair.  Vice- 
president  J.  M.Marvin,  D.  S.  Potter,  U.  A.  BuHard,  U.  F.  Ritchie,  P.  C. 
{''ord,  aiiil  tlie  Secretary  were  present.  Gen.  C.  K.  Graham,  Surveyor  of  the 
I'urt  of  New  Yrjrk,  Capt.  Howe,  Hon.  W.  A.  Sflf'llflU,  and  J.  C  Markham 
were  also  present  as  liivlfed  guests. 

The  minutes  0/  \\\t  last  meeting  of  tw^  weejks  since  being  read  and  ap- 
proved, a  letter  from  flon.  J.  W  K«|/jr,  orne  0/  tl/fe  ftUitMi,  W*»  read. 

Gov,  Seytnciir  thou  uddreaitfetl  i\w  Itiht'lihn  as  follows 


*  The  design  mioiileil  al  this  meetini;  \%  the  one  after  which  Itic  Muriuili«<il  li' 


tniill 


P 


HISTORY   OF  THE   SARATOGA   MONUMENT  ASSOCIATION. 


$7 


*'  Since  the  last  meeting  of  this  board,  I  have  given  much  thought  to 
the  subject  of  the  Saratoga  Monument.  For  the  purpose  of  getting  a  more 
clear  understanding,  a  few  days  since  I  went  to  see  the  field  upon  which  Bur- 
goyne  surrendered  his  army  and  gave  to  the  American  cause  its  success  in 
the  Revolutionary  struggle.  I  wished  to  note  more  particularly  the  spot 
upon  which  the  Monument  is  to  be  placed,  as  I  had  some  doubts  with  regard 
to  its  fitness  ;  but  when  I  stood  upon  the  foundations  which  have  been 
made,  I  felt  that  it  was  judiciously  selected.  I  have  read  much  with  regard 
to  the  history  of  Burgoyne's  campaign  ;  I  have  studied  with  care  its  maps 
and  plans  ;  but  it  was  not  until  I  stood  upon  the  site  of  the  Monument  that 
all  was  made  clear  to  my  mind  ;  for  there  v  is  not  only  displayed  the  field  of 
the  surrender,  the  spots  where  events  had  taken  place  of  which  we  read 
with  so  much  interest,  and  which  seemed  to  be  recalled  to  the  looker-on  as 
of  present  rather  than  of  remote  occurrence,  but  beyond  all  this,  the  lines  of 
the  Green  Mountains  in  view,  which  told  of  the  progress  of  the  British  army 
from  the  north  through  Lake  Champlain  and  the  upper  Hudson  ;  the  Cats- 
kill  Mountains  which  mark  the  course  of  the  lower  Hudson  which  Bur- 
goyne  sought  to  reach  at  Albany  ;  the  Highlands  at  the  west  of  the  Mohawk — 
all  was  made  clear,  the  whole  plan  in  its  broad  scope  by  which  the  Crown 
sought  to  break  up  the  united  efforts  of  the  Colonies,  and  to  master  the 
strongholds  which  would  give  it  control  of  military  operations. 

"This  grand  scene  brings  to  the  mind  not  alone  the  surrender  of  the 
great  army,  but  the  battle  of  Oriskany  in  the  deep  forest  with  the  savage 
allies  of  Britain ;  the  struggle  at  Bennington,  between  the  hardy  moun- 
taineers and  the  chasseurs  of  Baumand  Breyman,  and  the  grand  conclusive 
battle  at  Bemis  Heights. 

"  If  the  members  of  Congress  c  <-ild  stand  for  one  half  hour  upon  the  spot 
where  1  stood,  there  would  he  no  question  in  their  minds  about  the  sacred  duty 
(if  putting  up  )i  iiKMiiiiiM'iit  which  should  tell  of  one  of  the  fifteen  decisive 
battles  of  the  world,  and  of  a  victory  whic'i  established  the  independence  of 
our  country.  As  this  grows  jjreat  and  glo.-lous,  the  full  value  and  interest  of 
the  sunendei  of  the  iJiitisli  aiiiiy  boromrs  more  ( |p;ir  iind  i!n|»rt'ssive  to  all 
who  look  upon  this  scene. 

"For  these  reasons  more  than  ever  I  feel  that  this  Association  should  be 
animated  by  the  dignity  nf  llie  wnik  in  w|ii(|)  tflPy  nre  engaged,  and  should  be 
sustained  by  the  public  sympathy  and  aid." 

Some  remarks  by  Messrs.  Potter,  Ritchie  and  Ford  followed  ;  after  which 
D.  A.  Uullflnl  introduced  the  following  resolution,  which  was  unanimously 
carried  : 

Whereas,  A  bill  is  pending  in  Congress  giving  aid  to  the  Baratop  Mon- 
ument Association,  which  may,  if  passed,  modify  its  plans  ;  with  A  vlt-W  0^ 


.{' 


58 


HISTORY  OF  THE   SARATOGA   MONUMENT   ASSOCIATION. 


enabling  tliis  Association  to  comply  with  the  requirement  of  such  law;  there- 
fore, 

Resolved,  That  all  action  with  regard  to  contracts  or  work  on  the  Mon- 
ument be  suspended  until  we  learn  the  action  of  Congress  before  its  adjourn- 
ment in  March  next. 

Gov.  Seymour  then  added  that  "he  was  greatly  pleased  with  the  plan  of 
marking  the  different  places  of  the  battle-field  with  memorial  tablets,  and  he 
thoaght  that  individuals  would  be  found  who  would  esteem  it  a  privilege  to 
mark  separate  spots.  He,  for  example,  would  undertake  to  place  a  tablet  at 
Bemis  Heights,  at  the  point  where  the  breastworks  in  front  of  Gates'  fortifi- 
cations, erected  by  Kosciusko,  ran  around  the  foot  of  the  hill  to  the  river." 
(Mr.  BuUard  and  Mr.  Marvin  stated  that  they  would  also  erect  tablets  to 
commemorate  two  other  points  on  the  battle-field.)  "  And,"  continued  Gov. 
Seymour,  "the  marking  of  the  particular  spots  would  give  additional  interest 
to  the  numerous  drives  around  Saratoga — thus  enhancing  the  already  numer- 
ous attractions  of  the  place.  It  was  in  like  manner  that  the  erection  of  a  small 
monument  over  Baron  Steuben  added  a  lovely  drive  to  Oneida  County." 

Mr.  Markham  made  a  few  remarks  in  which  he  coincided  with  Gov.  Sey- 
mour's ideas. 

The  Secretary  then  announced  that,  through  the  efforts  of  Mr.  D.  S.  Potter 
and  Hon.  Webster  Wagner,  an  appropriation  of  $10,000  had  been  >  [>tained 
from  the  Legislature  of  New  York,  and  that  he  regretted  to  state  that  the 
bill  for  $1,500,  so  ably  advocated  by  Judge  J.  D.  Kirk  of  South  Carolina,  had 
been  defeated  in  that  State.  He  also  presented  ;i  copy  of  the  favorable  report 
of  the  Military  Committee  in  Congress  on  a  bill  introduced  by  Mr.  Starin  for 
an  appropriation  of  $30,000  for  the  Monument.  After  a  resolution  of  thanks 
to  the  proprietors  of  the  United  States  Hotel  fo'  their  courteous  treatment, 
the  President  adjourned  the  meeting  until  the  8th  of  March,  1881. 

The  meeting  of  the  Association  in  March,  1881,  was  held  at  the  Delavan 
House  in  Albany,  N.  Y.,  when  Hon.  John  F.  Seymour  in  person  presented  the 
following  letter  from  his  brother,  Hon.  Horatio  Seymour: 

Utica,  N.  Y.,  March  30,  i88r. 
To  the  Board  of  Directors  of  the  Saratoga  Monument  Association: 

I  hereby  resign  my  place  as  Trustee  under  the  acts  to  incorporate  the  Sara- 
toga Monument  Association,  passed  by  the  Legislature  of  this  State. 

Horatio  Seymour. 

As  it  was  understood  by  the  Trustees  present,  from  the  statements  of 

John  F.  Seymour  and  the  Secretary,  that  this  action  of  Gov.  Seymour  was 

dictated  solely  by  the  imperative  advice  of  his  physician,  his  resignation  was 

accepted,  but  only  on  the  condition  that  as  soon  a^  his  health  permitted  he 


HISTORY   OF   THK    RARATOOA    MONUHKNT   AB800IATI0N. 


59 


should  resume  both  the  Presi<lency  and  the  Trusteeship;  and  a  committee 
consisting  of  David  F.  Ritchi-  Mrs.  E.  H.  Walw->rth  and  William  L.  Stone 
were  appointed  to  draw  up  and  forward  resolutions  expressive  of  the  deep 
regret  with  which  his  resignation  had  been  accepted  by  his  fellow  Trustees. 
The  committee  accordingly  reported  the  following  preamble  and  resolutions  : 

Preambi  E. 

Whereas,  A  letter  has  been  received  from  Hon.  Horatio  Seymour,  tender- 
ing his  resignation  both  as  a  Trustee  and  as  President  of  the  Saratoga  lonu- 
ment  Association,  and  stating  that  he  has  been  forced  into  this  step  sol-ly  by 
the  imperative  advice  of  his  physician;    therefore, 

Resolved,  That  in  accepting  his  resignation  the  Association  cannot  but  feel 
deeply  grieved  by  the  thought  that  in  consenting  to  this  action  they  lose  one 
whose  name,  influence  and  active  exertions  in  their  behalf  have  contributed 
more  than  anything  else  to  the  success  attained. 

Resolved,  That  the  Association  express  to  Gov.  Seymour  the  earnest  hope 
that  while  withdrawing  for  the  present  from  active  participation  in  its  affairs, 
he  will  still  continue  to  assist  it  with  his  advice  which  his  wisdom  and  experi- 
ence render  so  valuable. 

Resolved,  That  as  his  resignation  has  been  reluctantly  accepted,  entirely 
from  the  belief  that  his  health  would  be  imperiled  were  he  to  continue  in  the 
offices  of  Trustee  and  Preside-'t,  so  it  is  to  be  hoped  that  as  soon  as  he  is  able 
he  will  consent  again  to  take  the  helm. 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  sincere  hope  of  the  Association  that  a  kind  Provi- 
dence will  speedily  restore  him  to  health;  and  that  the  hearts  of  his  friends 
and  admirers  may  be  gladdened  by  seeing  him  once  mure  in  the  full  meridian 
of  his  usefulness. 

Resolved,  That  the  Secretary  be  directed  to  enter  these  resolutions  in  full 
upon  the  minutes  of  the  Association,  and  also  to  transmit  a  copy  of  them, 
signed  by  the  committee  having  them  in  charge,  to  the  Hon.  Horatio  Seymour 
at  his  home  in  Utica. 

D.  F.  Ritchie, 

Mrs.  E.  H.  Walworth, 

Wm.  L.  Stone. 


The  Secretary  formally  announced  that  the  Congress  of  the  United 
States,  mainly  through  the  exertions  of  John  H.  Starin,  had  appropriated  the 
sum  of  $30,000  toward  the  Monument,  and  that  the  following  was  the  bill  as 
amended  by  the  Senate  and  passed  by  the  House  on  the  3d  of  the  presen*^ 
month  : 


«■ 


■HH 


■■■i 


■H 


■— ■ 


4P 


^, 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-S) 


1.0 


I.I 


11.25 


■^  B^    12.2 


6" 


.P^w 


''? 


Hiutographic 

Sdraices 

Corporation 


^ 


i\ 


iV 


<^ 


^1%\ 

4^%^^ 


6^ 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14S80 

(716)  •73-4503 


'# 


1 


■will* 


•  — ■^-^•*»-«  *•*•♦.  *,'«»»' 


60 


HISTORY   OF  THE  SARATOGA   MONUMENT  ASSOCIATION. 


ii  ' 


[Public — No.  91.] 

AN  ACT  to  provide  for  the  erection  of  a  Monument  at  Schuylerville,  New 
York,  commemorative  of  the  Battle  of  Saratoga  and  for  other  purposes. 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  of 
America  in  Congress  assembled. 

Whereas,  Horatio  Seymour  and  other  patriotic  gentlemen  of  the  State  of 
New  York  did,  in  the  year  eighteen  hundred  and  fifty-nine,  organize  the 
•'  Saratoga  Monument  Association  "  under  a  perpetual  charter  from  the  Legis- 
lature of  said  State,  whose  object  was  the  erection  of  a  fitting  memorial  on 
the  site  of  Burgoyne's  surrender ;  and 

Whereas,  Th:;  sum  of  ten  thousand  dollars  has  already  been  donated  by 
the  citizens  of  said  State,  with  which  sum  said  Association  has  been  enabled 
to  purchase  two  acres  of  land  near  the  mouth  of  Fish  Creek,  on  the  high 
ground  overlooking  the  meadow  where  the  British  laid  down  their  arms  at 
the  battle  of  Saratoga  ;  and 

Whereat,  Said  Association  has  recently  built  upon  said  lot  the  foundation 
of  the  Monument,  of  concrete,  forty  feet  square  and  eight  feet  deep,  as  well 
as  a  quarter  of  the  granite  plinth  or  base  (covering  the  entire  foundation), 
four  and  one-half  feet  high,  and  the  corner  stone,  ten  feet  square  and  two  feet 
high  ;  therefore 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  of 
America  in  Congress  assembled.  That  the  sum  of  thirty  thousand  dollars  be,  and 
the  same  is,  hereby  appropriated  out  of  any  money  in  the  Treasury  not  other- 
wise appropriated,  to  be  expended  by  said  Association  under  the  direction  of 
its  Building  Committee,  in  erecting  at  Schuylerville,  State  of  New  York,  upon 
said  foundation,  the  Monuni-ant  hereinbefore  referred  to ;  the  same  to  be  of 
granite  and  of  the  obelisk  form  :  ?^he  main  shaft  to  be  twenty  feet  square,  an  1 
the  height  one  hundred  and  fifty  feet,  as  designed  by  J.  C.  Markham,  of  New 
York  City,  and  adopted  by  said  Association  Provided,  That  before  trans- 
ferring said  money,  or  any  part  thereof,  to  the  Saratoga  Monument  Asso- 
ciation, it  shall  be  made  to  appear  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  Secretary  of 
the  Treasury,  who  shall  so  certify,  that  a  p.im  of  money  has  been  raised 
by  said  Association  which,  together  with  the  sum  hereby  appropriated, 
'shall  be  sufficiojnt  to  complete  the  Monument  in  accordance  with  the  de- 
sign specified  in  this  act. 

Approved,  March  3,  1881. 

The  following  letters  were  read  : 

New  York,  March  29,  1881. 
\V.  L.  Stone,  Esq. 

Dear  Sir — Yours  of  the  26th  received.     It  will  be  impossible  for  me 


El    ! 


HI8T0KY  OF  THE  SaEATOGA   MONDMENT  ASSOCIATION. 


6i 


to  be  present  at  the  Delavan  House  meeting  on  the  31st  inst.,  in   which 
case  I  authorize  you  to  vote  for  me. 

What  I  desire  particularly  to  urge  upon  the  meeting  is  immediate  action. 
Advertise  at  once  for  bids  on  the  stonework  of  the  Monument,  in  accordance 
with  the  plans  and  specifications,  and  go  ahead  and  build  it ;  the  $40,000 
raised  is  sufficient  for  this  purpose.  If  additional  sums  are  needed  for  tab- 
lets, etc.,  when  the  stonework  is  completed,  it  can  then  be  attended  to. 
If  we  delay  a  year  or  two  to  raise  more  money,  change  plans,  etc,  it  is 
doubtful  if  it  will  ever  be  built. 

Very  truly  yours, 

John  H.  Starin. 

Mr.  W.  L  Stone,  Secretary. 

Dear  Sir— f  regret  that  I  am  not  able  to  attend  the  meeting  of  the 
Directors  of  tt>e  Association  at  Albany.  I  hope  the  work  of  erecting  the 
Monument  will  not  be  indefinitely  postponed,  but  will  commence  this 
spring.  Congress  has,  in  a  patriotic  spirit,  made  an  appropriation  for  the 
Saratoga  Monumeiit,  v/hich  is  valuable  even  more  than  the  amount.  The 
nation  has  thereby  made  the  Monument  its  own,  and  the  business  must 
mt  languish.  Will  you  do  me  the  favor  to  vote  for  me  ?  You  see  the 
spirit  with  which  I  would  act  were  I  to  be  present. 

I  am,  very  truly  yours, 

Algernon  Sullivan. 


New  York  City,  March  27,  i88i. 
To  the  Committee  of  Design  of  the  Saratoga  Monument  Association. 

Gentlemen— In  response  to  your  question.  Can  the  Saratoga  Monument 
be  built  in  accordance  with  the  design  described  in  the  Bill  of  Congress 
appropriating  $30,000  for  the  purpose,  for  the  sum  of  $40,000?  I  give  it 
as  my  opinion  that  it  can,  not  including  the  bronze  statuary  and  interior  fin- 
ish, which  have  hitherto  been  regarded  as  individual  works,  hereafter  to  be 
placed  in  commemoration  of  persons  or  families.  In  order  to  settle  this 
question,  I  would  recommend  that  the  Building  Committee  advertise  for 
proposals  to  build  the  Mor.ument. 

As  to  any  question  of  further  change  of  design,  I  see  no  reason  for  any. 
The  first  order  that  I  received  from  your  Committee  was  for  a  design 
grander  than  any  in  this  country,  and  higher  than  that  of  Bunker  Hill;  but 
the  people,  in  the  condensed  wisdom  of  their  legislative  function,  having 
determined  that  $40,000  is  enough  to  build  your  Monument  ao  feet  square  and 
150  feet  high,  and  according  to  this  design,  will  you  go  on  and  build  it,  or 


\f 


62 


HISTORY    OF    THE   SARATfXJA   MONUMENT    ASSOCIATION. 


! 


will  you  abandon  all  that  you  have  done — remove  the  foundation  and  corner 
stone  already  laid,  and  begin  again  where  you  and  others  begun  more 
than  twenty  years  ago  ? 

Yours  respectfully, 

J.  C.  Markham,  Architect. 

The  Association  then  determined  that  there  should  be  no  change  ot'  de- 
sign, and  by  an  unanimous  vote  ordered  the  Building  Committee  to  proceed 
with  the  work  of  building  as  soon  as  practicable,  after  Gov.  Seymour's 
wise  suggestions  regarding  the  preliminary  steps  had  been  complied  with. 
To  further  this,  with  the  understanding,  however,  that  no  contract  should 
be  give  out  until  the  site  had  been  secured  and  Secretary  Windom  consulted, 
the  following  resolution  was  passed  : 

Resolved,  That  the  Building  Committee  advertise  until  the  3d  day  of 
the  coming  May,  in  three  New  York,  two  county  and  one  Albany  paper  (or 
in  as  many  of  the  above  as  in  their  judgment  they  may  deem  necessary), 
for  proposals  to  build  the  Monument. 

Mrs.  E.  H.  Walworth,  as  Chairman  of  the  Memorial  Committee,  submit- 
ted the  following  report : 

A  meeting  of  the  Committee  was  held  at  Saratoga  Springs  on  October 
9th.  Mrs.  Walworth,  Mr.  James  M.  Marvin,  Mr.  D.  F.  Ritchie  and  Mr.  N.  B. 
Sylvester  were  among  those  present.  A  letter  from  Mr.  W.  L.  Stone,  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Committee,  was  read,  'in  which,  after  expressing  regret  for  his 
absence,  he  says  :  "  Since  the  last  meeting  of  the  Association  I  have  been  in 
correspondence  with  the  Earl  of  Carnarvon,  who  succeeded  Lord  Derby  in 
the  Premiership  of  England.  He  takes  great  interest  in  everything  that  r^'lates 
to  the  Burgoyne  campaign,  and  believes  it  will  not  be  difficult  to  have  the 
English  Government,  through  its  Parliament,  contribute  an  amount  sufficient 
to  erect  a  substantial  and  elegant  monument  over  the  spot  where  General 
Frazer  is  buried.  Lord  Carnarvon  also  will  individually  contribute  a  memorial 
tablet  at  Dovegat's  house  (Coveville)  to  mark  the  spot  where  his  grea*  aunt, 
Lady  Harriet  Acland,  left  the  British  lines  to  join  her  husband  in  the  camp  of 
General  Gates." 

The  Committee  then  took  into  consideration  the  question  of  raising  a 
fund  for  the  erection  of  tablets.  Mrs.  Walworth  read  the  following  extracts 
from  a  letter  received  by  her  from  Gov.  Seymour  : 

"  I  like  your  plan  for  marking  places  of  interest  around  Saratoga.  Many 
now  drive  with  indifference  past  spots  which  they  would  look  upon  with  great 
interest  if  they  knew  their  value.  I  think  .you  can  bring  about  your  plan,  if, 
in  the  place  of  trying  to  raise  a  sum  to  pay  for  the  cost  of  marking  stones  in  a 
general  way,  you  ask  different  persons  to  give  a  tablet  of  some  kind  for  a 


J 


HISTORY   OF   THR   SARATOGA    MONUMENT   ASSOCIATION. 


63 


particular  spot.  In  most  cases  $50  or  $100  will  be  enough.  Some  may  be 
desirous  of  spending  more.  I  will  put  up  something  to  n.ark  the  place  where 
a  line  of  defenses  vere  thrown  up  in  front  of  the  tavei a  at  the  village  of 
Bemis  Heights." 

The  Committee  then  resolved  to  adopt  the  method  of  raising  funds 
suggested  by  r  x-Gov»rnor  Seymour.  The  erection  of  flagstaffs  at  Bemis 
Heights,  near  Neilson's,  and  on  Burgoyne's  Hill,  near  Freeman's  fa.m,  was 
proposed.  These  are  the  highest  points,  and  mark  the  northern  and  southern 
limits  of  the  fighting  ground. 

The  Committee  resolved  to  visit  the  battle-fteld  in  a  body  to  locate  the 
points  where  the  tablets  should  be  erected,  and  adjourned  to  meet  on  the 
battle-ground  October  23,  1880. 

Although  all  the  members  of  the  Committee  were  prepared  for  the  expe- 
dition at  the  date  agreed  on,  a  heavy  rain  compelled  a  postponement. 

It  was  not  practicable  to  get  the  Committee  together  again  last  year,  but 
the  Chairman  visited  the  battle-ground  several  times  in  the  autumn  and  made 
a  comparison  of  the  traditionary  localities  with  military  and  other  maps,  to 
identify  the  places  most  important  to  be  marked.  She  also  obtained  the  con- 
sent  of  several  of  the  property  owners  of  these  localities  to  the  erection  of 
tablets  on  their  ground,  and  their  hearty  co-operation  in  the  plans  of  the  Com- 
mittee, and  has  also  accepted  the  generous  offer  of  Mr.  Markham,  the  architect 
of  the  Monument,  to  draw  simple  designs  for  the  tablets. 

The  report  was  accepted,  and  the  Committee  authorized  to  erect  the 
tablets,  with  the  proviso  that  they  do  not  exceed  thsir  funds. 

It  may  be  readily  understood,  that  the  above  letter  from  Mr.  Starin,  in 
which  he  advocates  so  urgently  a  prompt  building  of  the  Monument,  led  to  a 
warm  response  from  those  present  when  he  was  nominated  by  Mr.  W.  L.  Stone 
for  President  of  the  Association,  in  place  of  Gov.  Seymour,  resigned,  and 
when  it  was  further  sta-ed  that  Gov.  Seymour  heartily  recommended  his 
election. 

Hon.  John  H.  Starin  was  then  unanimously  elected  President  of  the 
Saratoga  Monument  Association. 

Upon  being  notified  of  his  election,  he  sent  the  following  letter  : 

_„     ,  New  York,  April  ist,  1881. 

Wm.  L.  Stone,  Esq.,  Jersey  City  Heights. 

^^  My  Dear  Sir— Your  letter  of  23d  ult.,  apprising  me  of  the  action  of  the 
Saratoga  Monument  Association,"  at  a  special  meeting  held  at  the  Delavan 
House,  Albany,  yesterday,  received.  I  regret  most  sincerely  that  the  health 
of  Gov.  Seymour  renders  it  imperative  for  him  to  withdraw  from  the  Presi- 
dency of  the  Association.     His  name,  influence  and  active  exertions  in  behalf 


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! 

64 


HISTORY   OF  THE   SARATOGA  MONUMENT  ASSOCIATION. 


of  the  undertaking,  has  contributed  more  than  anything  else  to  the  success 
attained.  * 

I  trust  that,  although  withdrawing  from  active  participa*^''on  in  its  affairs, 
he  will  continue  to  assist  us  with  the  advice  which  his  wisdom  and  experi- 
ence render  so  valuable.  I  cannot  but  feel  complimented  and  gratified  chat 
he  should  have  expressed  a  wish  that  I  should  be  his  successor,  and  that  the 
Association  with  such  unanimity  ratified  the  request.  I  accept  the  honor 
gratefully,  and  will  perform  the  duty  of  the  office  to  the  best  of  my  ability.  I 
not  only  have  no  objections  to  the  vacancy  caused  by  the  death  of  Mr.  Pruyn 
being  filled  by  the  election  of  Gen.  Husted,  but  should  be  much  pleased 
thereat. 

I  think  the  Association  showed  wisdom  in  deciding  to  accept  the  presen*^ 
design  and  to  commence  work  at  once. 

Yours  sincerely, 

John  H.  Starin. 

A  special  meeting  of  the  Association  was  held  in  Albany,  N.  Y.,  on  June 
28th,  1881.     Among  the  letters  read  were  the  following: 

Dear  Mr.  Stone — Yours  of  the  2d  inst.,  advising  me  of  my  election  as  a 
Trustee  of  the  Saratoga  Monument  Association,  is  received.  You  know  my 
engagements,  and  if  you  risk  me  I  am  content,  but  it  is  a  hazard  to  select 
such  a  political  person  as  I  am. 

With  respect, 

S.  S.  Cox. 


Trenton,  Wayne  Co.,  Mich.,  June  27th,  1881. 
Mr.  W.  L.  Stone,  Sec'y  S.  M.  A. 

Dear  Sir — Yours  of  the  20th  received.  I  am  fully  and  heartily  in  accord 
with  the  tablet  idea,  most  happily  conceived  and  timely  acted  upon.  Every 
season  has  its  boom,  and  let  this  be  the  year  of  monuments. 

Among  the  list  of  points  at  which  tablets  are  proposed  to  be  erected  I  do 
not  find  that  unheaded  barrel  of  rum  of  which  Arnold  is  said  to  have  partaken 
a  "  dipperful  "  just  before  he  made  that  headlong  charge  into  the  British  camp. 

Now,  is  this  fact  or  fiction  ?  If  a  fact,  out  with  it.  Let  the  whole  story 
be  told.  No  link  can  be  spared  in  this  chain  of  events;  we  must  bear  in  mind 
that  rum  was  in  the  list  o '  rations  in  that  day.  Be  that  as  it  may,  there  is  no 
discount  on  the  fact  that  the  battles  of  Saratoga  were  the  stand-up  fights  of 
the  war. 

Erec*.  the  tablets,  and  the  Tally-Ho  coach  will  be  announced  "  for  the  bat- 
tle-fields "  as  familiarly  as  it  is  now  for  "  Saratoga  Lake,"  and  cannot  fail  to  be 
a  favorite  suburb  of  Saratoga  Springs. 


warn 


HI8T0BY   OF  THE   SARATOGA   MONLMENT   ASSOCIATION. 


65 


That  we  may  all  live  to  see  a  compl'^ted  Monument,  is  the  fervent  wish 
and  hope  of 

Your  sincere  friend, 

Giles  Slocum. 


The  resignations  of  Dr.  Payne  and  Hon.  W.  Bacon  were  received  with 
regret.  George  L.  Schuyler  and  Parker  Handy  of  New  York  City  were 
elected  to  fill  these  vacancies. 

Hon.  D.  S.  Potter  reported  that  a  law  had  been  passed  by  the  Legislature, 
and  signed  by  Governor  Cornell,  which  would  enable  the  Association  to  settle 
all  difficulties  concerning  the  land  on  which  the  Monument  was  to  be  built. 
A  committee  consisting  of  Messrs.  Ford,  Potter  and  Ritchie  were  appointed  to 
arrange  this  matter. 

Mrs.  Walworth,  having  been  requested  by  parties  in  New  York  City  to 
try  and  secure  the  influence  of  the  Association  in  behalf  of  a  bill  of  which  Mr. 
Astor  had  charge  in  the  New  York  Legislature,  offered  the  following  resolu- 
tion :  "  That  Senator  Wagner,  Hon.  J.  W.  Husted  and  Hon.  D.  S.  Potter, 
Trustees  of  the  Saratoga  Monument  Association,  be  requested  to  urge  upon 
the  Legislature  now  in  session  the  propriety  of  authorizing  the  Governor  of 
the  State  of  New  York  to  extend  the  courtesies  of  the  State  to  the  representa- 
tives of  the  French  Government  who  have  accepted  the  invitation  of  the 
United  States  to  be  present  at  the  Yorktown  centennial,  and  to  make  a  suit- 
able appropriation  for  this  purpose." 

It  was  passed  unanimously. 

At  the  annual  meeting  in  Saratoga  Springs,  August  9,  1881,  the  Building 
Committee  reported  that  the  contract  for  building  the  stonework  of  the  Monu- 
ment had  been  given  to  Messrs,  Booth  Bros.,  as  the  lowest  bidders.  Resolu- 
tions were  then  passed  requiring  the  contractors  to  give  bonds  for  the  faithful 
performance  of  the  work,  and  instructing  the  Treasurer  to  make  payments 
only  upon  certificates  of  the  architect,  approved  by  the  Executive  Committee; 
also  to  make  a  payment  to  the  architect  at  the  time  the  first  payment  was 
made  to  the  contractors. 

Mr.  Ford  reported  that  the  Committee  appointed  to  perfect  the  title  to  the 
land  for  the  Monument  had  been  successful  in  their  arrangements. 

There  was  a  discussion  in  regard  to  the  design  for  eagles  and  lions,  which 
were  intended  to  ornament  the  exterior  of  the  Monument.  Mr.  Marvin 
expressed  the  sentiment  of  the  meeting  when  he  proposed  to  omit  the  lions  as 
there  represented,  in  deference  to  the  good  state  of  feeling  now  existing 
between  the  United  States  and  Great  Britain.  It  may  be  said  here,  that  the 
models  of  carved  eagles  designed  by  Mr.  Markham,  and  afterwards  accepted 
by  the  Committee  on  De'..'gn,  may  be  considered  true  works  of  historic  art, 


mmmm 


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66 


HISTORY  OF  THE   SARATOGA   MONUMENT   AH8O0IATI0N. 


1 


I' 


and  they  add  much  to  the  dignity  and  beauty  of  the  Monument.  This  is  the 
more  noticeable,  as  either  d'tspondent  or  flaunting  representations  of  the 
national  bird  are  so  numerous. 

At  this  time  the  following  resolution  was  passed  : 

Whefas,  This  Association  has  entered  into  a  contract  for  the  erection  of 
the  Saratoga  Monument  in  accordance  with  the  designs  of  the  architect,  but 
with  certain  carving,  statuary,  etc.,  omitted  in  order  to  bring  the  cost  of  the 
same  within  the  means  ro'v  :>t  the  command  of  the  Association  ;  and, 

Whereas,  Such  omissions,  if  not  supplied,  will  materially  injure  the  effect, 
and  destroy  the  allegorical  significance  of  the  Monument ;  therefore. 

Resolved,  That  this  Association  will  take  all  measures  that  are  necessary 
to  raise  additional  funds,  by  national  or  State  appropriations,  or  otherwise, 
for  the  completion  of  the  Monument  in  a  manner  worthy  of  the  event  it  is 
intended  to  commemorate. 

At  this  point  Judge  Kirk,  a  Trustee  from  South  Carolina,  made  some 
interesting  remarks,  in  which  he  said  that  Saratoga  did  not  belong  to  New 
York  alone  but  to  the  nation.  He  thought,  therefore,  that  South  Carolina 
would,  perhaps,  next  winter,  appropriate  at  least  $1,500  for  the  interior  finish 
of  the  monument. 

Judge  Kirk  was  true  to  his  promise,  and  repeatedly  made  an  effort  to 
secure  this  appropriation,  sometimes  with  flattering  prospects  of  success. 
But  the  indifference  of  the  remaining  original  thirteen  States  seemed  to 
discourage  South  Carolina  in  her  good  intention. 

The  year  1881  proved  to  be  a  very  busy  one  for  the  members  of  the  As- 
sociation. Still  another  special  meeting  took  place  at  Schuylerville  on  the 
1 8th  of  October.  Here  resolutions  were  passed  requiring  the  Treasurer  to 
file  bonds  to  secure  the  $30,000  which  he  was  also  authorized  to  receive  and 
pay  out  to  contractors,  architects,  etc. 

Mr.  Ford  reported  that  the  title  to  the  land  having  been  secured,  suffi- 
cient money  had  now  been  raised  to  pay  for  it,  independent  of  the  $30,000 
which  could  not  be  used  for  this  purpose.  He  was  indebted  to  Mr.  Stone  for 
having  secured  several  hundred  dollars  toward  this  fund.  Gov.  Seymour  had 
given  $400,  and  Mr.  Kelly  of  Rochester  had  paid  the  last  $100.  The  amount 
required  and  raised  was  $1,724. 

Mr.  Markham,  the  architect,  reported  the  progress  made  in  the  erection 
of  the  Monument.  He  was  then  instructed  to  furnish  the  Executive  Com- 
mittee with  a  copy  of  all  estimates  for  work,  and  also  with  a  plan  of  the 
Monument,  divided  into  sections,  with  estimates  of  the  quantity  and  value  of 
the  stonework  in  each  of  such  sections,  that  payments  might  not  be  made 
faster  than  the  work  progressed. 

Thus  from  the  very  beginning  of  the  building  of  the  Saratoga  Monument 


lATION. 

lument.     This  is  the 
Jresentations  of   the 


t  for  the  erection  of 
of  the  architect,  but 
•ing  the  cost  of  the 
iation  ;  and, 
lily  injure  the  effect, 

therefore, 

that  are  necessary 
tions,  or  otherwise, 
y  of  the  event  it  is 

irolina,  made  some 
lot  belong  to  New 
lat  South  Carolina 
r  the  interior  finish 

'  made  an  effort  to 
ospects  of  success. 
1  States  seemed  to 

embers  of  the  As- 
huylerville  on  the 
f  the  Treasurer  to 
ized  to  receive  and 


>een  secured,  suffi- 
ent  of  the  $30,000 
i  to  Mr.  Stone  for 
jrov.  Seymour  had 
100.     The  amount 

le  in  the  erection 
i  Executive  Com- 
ith  a  plan  of  the 
itityand  value  of 
ght  not  be  made 

atoga  Monument 


-oi'iii  I  jMi I iiirirMirrnB 


•  «■    •  .  «»~t 


I 


WILLIAM  L.  STONE, 
SECRETARY  OF  TFIE  SARATOGA  MONUMENT  ASSOCIATION. 


HI8TORY   OF   THE   SARATf)OA    MONUMENT   A880CIATION.  6/ 

.-..__„♦  ^t  »!,„  .,.„,.i,  oc  ntr^UtWv  rnnHiirffld  and  as  economi- 


!  K  .■■!.  i     r  •: 
,    vi/       I   I.     , 
.lei,  . 
Man.,     i. 

•?ded  in  mati v 

'•'!  $1,484.07. 
"tors  in  iV 


li    li;r«'lnig   at 

,       '              '.»  ihe  Committee 

ippiupriation     Jif 

Jt        They    met 

i.iry,  Mr. 

association," 

W   L  Stone 

s-.ive  of  tlie 

ecied  to 

•   '■  Trus- 

jUent 

•     <:!   'A  the 

:  '  .'i!id  Mr. 

i,          •'.•  f.\lub- 

ereuMU!*!    -And    willing 

■     uuv J     into 

■•.    ill    behalf 

,   n  for  all 

■  ii.!toga 

■    -urge 

•^:<nii!ted   the 

••     ;. 

1'  ;  United 

■  -nit  Hon. 

ichitect, 

.  *  I 

:    '    !  alrciriy 

ud   !0  t''H- 

"  larkham  hav- 

1 :    <;.,■,• 

.0  was  ordered  paid 

..tract.     Thih  left  at 

Treasurf-i.  D   A,  Bui- 

above  amoutit,  at  that 
>f  $i5,.^oQ  had  been  ap- 

i"!!,  .,  rhe  completion 
ug  was  the  full  text  of 

ant  of  the  Comptroller, 


\i 


*  •  »•■  •-•  ••••»  -~"  M-n  «  I  ■MamnNk**^ 


V 


VVILLKA  .'    1,    -T'  1 
SFXRETARY  OF   1*1 1!  SARATtXiA  MONl 


ASSOCIATION. 


HIHTORY    OF   THE   HAKATOUA    MONL'UENT    AHHOCIATION. 


67 


was  the  management  of  the  work  as  carefully  conducted  and  as  economy 
cally  planned  as  if  it  had  been  a  private  enterprise. 

The  year  1882  opened  for  the  Association  with  a  special  meeting  at 
Albany,  where  the  Trustees  had  been  called  to  appear  before  the  Committee 
of  Ways  and  Means  of  the  Legislature,  to  solicit  an  appropriation  of 
$15,000  'or  advancing  the  original  plans  of  the  Monument.  They  met 
at  the  Delavan  House,  with  Mrs.  Walworth  in  the  chair.  The  Secretary,  Mr, 
Stone,  announced  the  death  of  "a  valued  member  of  the  Association," 
Webster  Wagner.  A  committee,  composed  of  Mr.  Giles  Slocum,  W.  L.  Stone 
and  D.  F.  Ritchie,  was  appointed  to  draw  up  resolutions  expressive  of  the 
sorrow  of  the  Association  at  his  death.  Hon.  W.  A.  Sackett  was  elected  to 
fill  the  place  of  Mr.  Wagner.  The  meeting  then  adjourned,  and  the  Trus- 
tees went  in  a  body  to  the  Capitol,  where  Mr.  Sackett  made  an  eloquent 
address  and  earnest  appeal  to  the  Legislative  Committee  in  behalf  of  the 
Monument,  asking  for  the  appropriation  of  $15,000.  Gen.  Bullard  and  Mr. 
Stone  ably  seconded  this  appeal,  and  Mr.  Markham's  drawings  were  exhib- 
ited to  the  Committee,  who  appeared  to  be  mucii  interested  and  willing 
to  give  the  matter  a  fair  consideration. 

In  February  of  this  year,  Hon.  George  West  had  introduced  into 
Congress,  and  had  referred  to  the  Library  Committee,  a  bill  in  behalf 
of  the  Saratoga  Monument  Association,  which  contained  a  provision  for  all 
Revolutionary  batti  '-fields. 

The  regular  a^.  .ual  meeting  of  the  Association  was  held  in  Saratoga 
Springs,  at  the  United  States  Hotel,  on  the  8th  of  August,  1882.  Hon.  George 
W.  Curtis  and  Mr.  W.  L.  Stone,  Jr.,  were  elected  Trustees. 

Hon.  D.  S.  Potter,  Chairman  of  the  Executive  Committee,  submitted  the 
following,  viz.:  That  at  a  meeting  of  this  Committee,  held  at  the  United 
States  Hotel,  Saratoga  Springs,  June  14th  last,  at  which  were  present  Hon. 
James  M.  Martin,  Col.  D.  ¥.  Ritchie,  himself  and  J.  C.  Markham,  the  architect, 
a  statement  was  presented  showing  that  the  sum  of  $16,101.95  had  already 
been  expended  in  material  and  labor,  and  to  the  architect ;  Mr.  Markham  hav- 
ing received  $1,484.07.  An  additional  installment  of  $5,000  was  ordered  paid 
to  the  contractors  in  accordance  with  the  terms  of  the  contract.  This  left  at 
that  date,  viz.,  June  14th,  a  balance  in  the  hands  of  the  Treasurer,  D.  A.  Bul- 
lard, of  $18,898.05. 

Mr.  Potter  further  stated  that  in  addition  to  the  above  amount,  at  that 
time  unexpended  by  the  Treasurer,  the  further  sum  of  $15,000  had  been  ap- 
propriated by  the  New  York  Legislature  at  its  last  session,  for  the  completion 
of  the  outside  of  the  Monument,  of  which  the  following  was  the  full  text  of 
the  bill : 

Section  1.    The  Treasurer  shall  pay,  on  the  warrant  of  the  Comptroller, 


Vv^-; 


>fi>-iiiiW<g>|»MjPHWi^yiig 


|f  't 


6u  mSTOBY  OF  THE   SARATOGA  MONUMENT  ASSOCIATION. 

from  any  funds  not  otherwise  appropriated,  to  the  persons  to  be  appointed 
commissioners  as  hereinafter  provided,  fifteen  thousand  dollars,  which  sum 
is  hereby  appropriated  to  aid  in  the  erection  of  a  suitable  monument  at 
Schuylerville,  New  York,  in  commemoration  of  the  decisive  battle  of  the  Rev- 
olution and  the  surrender  of  General  Burgoyne,  on  tie  seventeenth  day  of 
October,  seventeen  hundred  and  seventy-seven.  Said  money  shall  be  expended 
under  the  sup^^rvision  of  three  commissioners  to  be  appointed  by  the  Governor, 
who  shall  file  a  verified  statement  and  vouchers  for  such  expenoiture,  in  the 
office  of  the  Comptroller,  within  sixty  days  after  said  money  shall  have  been 
expended,  it  being  understood  that  said  sum  Df  fifteen  thousand  dollars  will 
complete  said  Monument,  and  the  State  is  hereby  relieved  from  the  payment 
of  any  further  or  additional  sum  of  money  to  complete  the  same. 

In  accordance  with  said  bill,  continued  the  speakei,  Hon.  Charles  S.  Les- 
ter and  Hon.  John  M.  Davison,  of  Saratoga  Springs,  and  James  H.  Dillingham, 
of  Schuylerville,  had  been  appointed  by  Governor  Cornell,  commissioners  to 
carry  said  bill  into  effect ;  that  on  the  13th  of  last  April  a  contract  had  been 
entered  into  by  the  Building  Committee  for  the  eagles,  contingent  upon  the 
then  expected  appropriation  of  $15,000  by  the  New  York  Legislature,  the 
original  of  which  was  in  the  possession  of  the  Secretary  ot  the  Association. 

Mr.  Potter,  resuming  his  remarks,  gave  a  full  report  of  the  progress  of 
the  building  of  the  Monument  up  to  the  present  time.  The  Monument,  he 
stated,  had  now  attained  the  height  of  forty-two  feet  and  one-half ;  and 
arrangements  had  been  made  by  which  the  contrj  ctor,  for  th ;  amount  in  hand, 
which  included  the  last  appropriation  of  $15,000,  would  complete  the  outside 
stone  work  of  the  Monument  including  the  eagles  and  the  other  carving  con- 
templated by  the  design. 

Mrs.  E.  H.  Walworth,  as  Chairman  of  the  Commitcee  on  Tablets  designed 
to  mark  the  prominent  points  during  the  progress  of  the  battle  of  the  19th  of 
September  and  the  7th  of  October,  1777,  submitted  the  following  report : 

Your  Committee  on  Memorial  Tablets  would  respectfully  report  that 
they  have  visited  the  battle-ground  al  Bemis  Heights,  and  with  great  care 
have  located  nineteen  points  of  espec<al  interest  on  and  near  the  field.  Stakes 
have  been  driven  to  designat*^  the  exact  spots  upon  which  many  of  the  stones 
will  be  erected.  These  stones  v  e  propose  to  have  principally  of  granite,  cor- 
responding in  size  to  the  amount  subscribed  by  the  individual  donors.  A  few 
important  points  which  are  distant  from  the  road  may  be  marked  by  stones  of 
a  lighter  color,  that  they  may  be  more  easily  seen  ;  but  it  is  intende<wi  that 
they  shall  be  of  durable  material.  Each  stone  will  have  a  polished  surface 
on  the  top  and  on  one  side,  to  receive  the  inscriptions.  As  far  as  practicable, 
the  owners  of  property  on  whicli  thefje  historic  points  are  locrtted  have  been 
consulted,  and  tkiey  have  been  found  ready  to  cooperate  cordially  with  the 


HISTORY  OF  THE  SAKATOOA  MONUMENT  ASSOCIATION. 


69 


work  of  the  committee.  We  herrwith  submit  letters  received  from  Hon. 
George  West,  Mrs.  J.  V.  L.  Pruyn,  G.  B.  Slocum,  J.  C.  Markham,  and  George 
A.  Ensign  and  others,  in  relation  to  the  proposed  tablets,  and  also  the  follow- 
ing list  of  points  selected  for  commemoration  : 

Saratoga  Battle  Ground  Memorial  Tablets.    Points  Located 

July  28,  1882. 

No.  I.  Stake  marked  "  Freeman's  Farm,"  or  site  of  cottage,  located  four 
rods  southwest  of  barns  and  six  rods  northwest  of  soldiers'  well  on  the  farm 
now  occupied  by  W.  T.  Baker,  owned  uy  Ebenezer  Leggett  and  called  the 
Brightman  farm. 

No.  2.  "  Balcarras  Redoubt,"  on  knoll  with  one  tree,  a  little  southwest  of 
Freeman's  cottage.  No.  i. 

No.  3.  Stake  marked  "  Frazer's  Camp,"  located  about  thirty  rods  north- 
east of  No.  I,  on  the  road  to  Wilbur's  Basin,  near  property  of  Joseph  Buck. 

No.  4.  Stake  marked  "Arnold  wounded — Breyman's  Redoubt,"  located 
on  Burgoyne's  Hill  about  one  hundred  rods  northwest  of  No.  i.  Property  of 
E.  Leggett. 

No  5.  Spot  where  "  Frazer  fell,"  marked  on  the  fence  of  Perry  Condlin's 
farm  on  the  road  from  Quaker  Springs  to  Bemis'  Heights,  also  indicated  by 
a  board  fastened  to  a  true  by  Elisha  Freeman. 

No.  6.  "  British  line  of  Battle,  Oct.  7th,"  marked  on  fenc°  posts  on  the 
same  road  to  Bemis'  Heights  about  two-thirds  down  the  southern  slope  of 
hill  owned  by  Widow  Freeman  and  Patrick  Welch,  about  forty  rods  south  of 
No.  5. 

No.  7.  "  Morgan's  Hill,"  at  the  turn  in  the  same  road. 

No.  8.  Northwest  angle  of  American  breastworks  ai.  Pc.uis'  Heights,  and 
site  of  Fort  Nelson.  Mark  on  fence  near  George  Neilson's  farm  house,  now 
occupied  by  H.  C.  Farrington,  where  Morgan  and  Poor  had  their  head- 
quarters, and  Major  Ackland  lay  wounded. 

No.  9.  Stake  marked  "  General  Gttes'  Headquarters"  (site  of  Wood- 
worth  uCMse),  near  old  tiee  and  well  on  farm  of  P.  M.  Baggs,  south  of 
Neilson's. 

No.  10.  "Site  of  Bemis'  Tavern,  1777,"  marked  on  fence  near  liberty 
pole  north  of  the  present  Bemic"  Heights  Hotel. 

No.  ri.  "Dirck  Swarfs  House  "—General  Schuyler's  h'-adquarters  at 
Stillwater  village. 

No.  12.  "  American  entrenchment  near  Mil!  Creek,"  on  river  road,  where 
skirmish  took  place  S«;ptember  19. 

No.  13.  "  Place  of  Lady  Ackland's  embarkation." 

No.  14.  "  Site  of  Sword's  House,"  north  of  the  Taylor  House. 


70 


HI8TOKY  OF  THB   8AKATOOA  MONUMENT  ASSOCIATION. 


No,  15.  Stake  marked  "Taylor's  House,"  where  there  are  indications  of 
a  cellar  in  a  field  owned  by  Philip  C.  Cotton  at  the  toot  of  the  third  hill  north 
of  Wilbur's  basin,  and  behind  the  Terry  House. 

No.  16.  Stake  marked  "  Frazer  buried,"  near  a  tree  on  top  of  the  second 
hill  north  of  Wilbur's  basin. 

No.  17.  Position  of  American  artillery,  October  8,  on  wooded  plateau 
just  south  of  Wilbur's  basin. 

No.  18,  Stake  marked  "Burgoyne's  Headquarters,"  on  the  plain  one  mile 
e''"«t  of  Freeman's  farm,  north  side  of  road  to  Wilbur's  basin. 

No.  19.  "  British  Redoubt."  Indication  of  it  remains,  south  of  Burgoyne's 
headquarters. 

No.  20.  "  Old  Battle  Well,"  Freeman's  farm. 

All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

On  motion,  the  report  was  fully  apprcved,  and  the  Committee  ordered  to 
proceed  in  accordance  with  the  plan  submitted. 

The  Secretary,  W,  L.  Stone,  then,  as  Chairman  of  the  Committee  for 
obtaining  from  the  United  States  Government  the  cannon  surrendered  by 
Burgoyne,  submitted  the  following :  That  a  bill  to  give  the  cannon  to  the 
Association  had  passed  the  House  of  Representatives  at  its  last  session  ;  that 
this  was  mainly  due  to  the  exertions  of  Hon.  S.  S.  Cox  (a  Trustee  of  the 
Association),  and  Hon.  Cyrus  D,  Prescott,  M,  C,  before  the  Military  Com- 
mittee which  had  submitted  to  the  house  a  favorable  report. 

The  following  is  a  copy  of  the  bill : 

In  the  House  of  Representatives. — March  22,  1882. 

Read  twice,  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Military  Affairs,  and  ordered 
to  be  printed. 

Mr,  Samuel  S.  Cox  introduced  the  following  bill  (H.  R,  5377)  : 

To  authorize  the  Secretary  of  War  to  deliver  certain  cannon  to  the  Sara- 
toga Monument  Association. 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  Unitee:  States  of 
America  in  Congress  assembled.  That  the  Secretary  of  War  be,  and  is  hereby 
authoi'ized  to  deliver  to  the  Saratoga  Monument  Association  the  following 
cannon,  and  so  forth,  captured  from  General  Burgoyne  at  Saratoga,  and  now 
on  hand  at  the  Watervliet  Arsenal,  West  Troy,  New  York,  namely  :  Four 
twelve-pounder  guns,  one  eight-inch  howitzer,  one  twenty-four-pounder 
howitzer,  one  eight-inch  mortar,  and  one  twenty-four-pounder  mortar,  all 
bronze, 

Tha'  his  bill,  on  reaching  the  Senate,  had  been  reported  upon  adversely 
notwith^    iuding  the  efforts  of  Senator  Miller  to  obtain  a  favorable  report ; 


i  indications  of 
third  hill  north 

)  of  the  second 

ooded  plateau 

plain  one  mile 

of  Burgoyne's 

ee  ordered  to 

ommittee  for 
rendered  by 
annon  to  the 
session ;  that 
ustee  of  the 
ilitary  Com- 


md  ordered 


to  the  Sara- 

fec  States  of 
is  hereby 
■  following 
1,  and  now 
oly;  Four 
>r-pounder 
mortar,  all 


adversely 
le  report ; 


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OS  </) 


u 


iMikiMMIinWMHiiiM 


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HT8TOKY   OF  THE   SARATOGA   MOKUMKNl    A880CIATION. 


71 


that  while  Senator  Miller  succeeded  in  having  the  bill  recommitted,  yet  it 
had  lapsed  by  not  having  been  taken  up  before  the  final  adjournment  of 
Congress. 

U.  S.  Senate  Chamber,  Washington,  July  i,  1882. 
W.  L.  Stone,  Esq.,  Jersey  City  Heights,  N.  J. 

My  Dear  Sir — The  Military  Committee  reported  adversely  upon  the  bill 
granting  the  cannon  to  the  Saratoga  Monument.  They  are  very  strongly 
opposed  to  allowing  the  trophies  of  the  battle  of  Saratoga  to  go  out  of  the 
possession  of  the  General  Government.  I,  however,  had  the  vote  reconsidered 
and  had  the  bill  recommitted  to  the  committee,  with  the  hope  of  being  able 
to  get  them  to  consent  to  give  the  Monument  Association  the  cannon.  I  am 
not  at  all  certain  that  I  will  be  able  to  do  that,  but  will  use  my  best  endeavors 
to  accomplish  that  result. 

Yours  truly, 

Warner  Miller. 


And  finally,  that  there  is  no  occasion  for  the  Association  to  despair  or  to 
give  the  matter  up,  as  the  following  letter  from  one  who,  as  a  patriot,  and  as 
representing  in  Congress  the  classic  soil  of  Oriskany,  has  the  matter  deeply 
at  heart,  shows : 


Mr.  W.  L.  Stone. 


Rome,  N.  Y.,  August  5th,  1882. 


Dear  Sir — Your  favor  is  at  hand,  and  please  accept  thanks  for  your 
thoughtfulness.  I  see  no  reason  why  the  matter  of  the  cannon,  the  coming 
winter,  cannot  be  finally  adjusted  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  Association  and 
all  of  its  friends. 


Yours  with  respect, 


C.  D.  Prescott. 


The  Secretary,  then,  in  the  absence  of  the  Hon.  Giles  B.  Slocum,  reported 
the  following: 

Resolved,  That  in  the  recent  death  of  the  late  Webster  Wagner  we  mourn 
the  loss  of  an  associate  whose  public  and  private  character  commanded  our 
respect ;  whose  many  and  varied  services  within  and  without  the  Senate 
have  greatly  furthered  the  advancement  of  the  interest  of  the  Saratoga 
Monument  in  the  success  of  which  his  heart  was  deeply  enlisted  ;  and  whose 
warm  enthusiasm  and  active  efforts  on  behalf  of  this  Association  justly  claim 
this  tribute  to  his  memory. 


72 


HISTOBT  OF  THE   SARATOGA   HONTMENT  ABSOOIATION. 


Resolvedy  That  the  Secretary  be  instructed  to  enter  these  resolutions  on 
the  minrtes,  and  also  send  a  copy  of  them  to  the  wife  of  the  deceased. 

Giles  B.  Slocum, 

D.   F.  RiTCHIF, 

Wm.  L.  Stone, 

Mrs.  E.  H.  Walworth. 

In  reference  to  the  future  dedication  of  the  Monument,  the  following 
resolution  was  adopted  : 

Resolved^  That  a  committee  consisting  of  Messrs.  Ford,  Potter,  D.  A. 
Bullard,  Mayhew,  Marvin,  Sackett  and  Ritchie  be  appointed  and  empowered 
to  adopt  such  measures  as  they  fhall  deem  to  be  advisable  with  a  view  to  the 
proper  conduct  of  the  dedication  of  the  Monument,  the  time  to  be  left  to 
them  ;  further,  that  the  Association  would  be  pleased  to  have  them  consult 
regarding  this  matter  with  Messrs.  C.  S.  Lester,  J.  M.  Davison  and  Mr.  J.  H. 
Dillingham. 

And  also  the  following  : 

Resolved,  That  Wm.  L.  Stone,  P.  C.  Ford  and  Mrs.  E.  H.  Walworth  be 
appointed  a  committee  to  invite  such  orators  and  speakers  as  they  deem  best 
to  participate  in  the  exercises  consequent  upon  the  completion  of  the 
Monument. 

Mr.  Ford  then  stated  that  as  the  main  walls  of  the  Monument  would  be 
finished  late  in  the  coming  fall,  and  the  time  of  final  completion  was  not  yet 
known,  the  dedication  ceremonies  would  probably  not  be  before  the  summer 
or  autumn  of  1883. 

The  autumn  of  1882  shewed  the  exterior  walls  of  the  Saratoga  Monu- 
ment completed.  When  the  cap-stone  had  been  laid  in  its  place,  on  November 
3rd,  Mr.  Henry  Langtry,  under  whose  immediate  direction  the  work  had 
been  done,  seated  himself  upon  it  and  unfurled  the  Stars  and  Stripes.  Thus 
the  patriotic  work,  conceived  twenty-six  years  before  by  a  few  persons, 
brought  together  at  the  Old  Schuyler  Mansion,  near  the  foot  of  this  grand 
structure,  then  but  an  ideal,  had  reached  its  culmination. 

To  the  members  of  the  Association  and  to  the  President,  Mr.  Starin,  all 
of  whom  had  struggled  and  labored  for  its  completion,  it  might  well  be  con- 
sidered with  pride  and  satisfaction,  as  is  evinced  by  the  following  description 
written  at  the  time  by  Mr.  Stone  : 

"The  Monument,  which  is  of  rock-faced  New  London  granite  and  is  154 
feet  high,  stands  on  a  high  bluff  some  250  feet  above  and  overlooking  the 
Hudson,  thus  giving  it  an  actual  height  above  the  river  level  of  400  feet.  In 
its  base  there  is  a  room  14  feet  square,  with  entrances  on  each  of  the  four 
sides.     From  this  room  a  temporary  staircase,  soon  to  be  replaced  by  one  of 


HI9T0KT  OF  THE  SARATOGA  MONUMENT  ASSOCIATION. 


n 


bronze,  leads  to  the  top,  from  which  is  seen  the  whole  region  of  country 
between  Lake  George  on  the  northwest,  the  Green  Mountains  on  the  east, 
and  the  Catskills  on  the  south,  the  varieties  of  upland  and  lowland  being  lost 
in  the  almost  perpendicular  line  of  vision  in  which  they  are  presented  to 
the  view. 

"  The  entrances  at  the  base  are  about  fourteen  feet  in  height  and  will  have 
double  doors  of  oak,  with  polished  plate  glass  panels  and  brass  trimmings. 
At  the  second  floor  there  is  a  niche  on  each  side  of  the  Monument  for  a  statue. 
The  niches  will  be  backed  with  hammered  plate  glass.  Over  the  entrances 
gables  rise  to  a  height  of  forty-two  feet,  and  at  each  corner  of  the  Monument 
at  a  height  of  about  twenty  feet,  a  granite  eagle  with  half- folded  wings, 
measuring  about  sever  feet  across  the  back,  has  been  placed.  The  cornices 
of  each  of  tl  3  doors  and  windows  are  supported  by  pillars  of  polished  black 
granite  from  Maine,  with  carved  capitals.  There  are  forty  pillars  in  all.  The 
drip-stones  on  the  buttresses  at  the  base,  the  capitals  and  other  trimmings 
are  of  granite  from  Long  Cove,  Maine. 

"All  that  now  remains  to  be  finished  is  the  sculptured  inside  decorations, 
and  the  placing  of  several  pieces  of  cannon.  The  architect  of  the  Monument, 
Mr.  J.  C.  Markham,  of  Jersey  City  Heights,  is  now  engaged  in  completing 
drawings  for  the  sculptured  work  which  will  line  the  inside,  and  represent 
historical  and  allegorical  scenes  connected  with  the  closing  period  of  the 
Revolution.  In  the  second  story  there  will  be  tablets  bearing  the  names  of  the 
past  and  present  officers  of  the  Association.  In  the  niches,  on  three  sides, 
statues  of  General  Philip  Schuyler,  General  Daniel  Morgan  and  General 
Horatio  Gates  will  be  placed.  The  statues  are  to  be  of  bronze.  The  fourth 
niche  will  be  left  unfilled,  with  the  name  "  Arnold  "  carved  underneath.  A 
bill  is  now  before  the  United  States  Senate  for  the  delivery  to  the  Monument 
Association  of  four  twelve-pound  guns,  one  eighteen-inch  howitzer,  one  twenty- 
four-pound  howitzer,  one  eight-inch  mortar,  all  bronze,  which  were  captured 
from  Gen.  Burgoyne  at  Saratoga,  and  which  are  now  at  the  Watervliet 
Arsenal,  West  Troy.  General  J.  Watts  de  Peyster  has  also  given  a  cannon 
to  be  placed  within  a  few  feet  of  the  Monument,  which,  when  entirely  com- 
pleted, will  have  cost  about  $125,000.  The  cannon  captured  from  General 
Burgoyne,  if  secured,  will  be  distributed  inside  and  outside  of  the  Monu- 
ment. One  cannon  will  be  placed  at  each  corner  of  the  base.  The  grounds 
are  about  three  acres  in  extent,  and  front  on  Burgoyne  avenue.  They  will 
be  tastefully  laid  out  with  several  carriage  roads  and  footpaths  through  them 
and  running  around  the  Monument,  which  stands  in  a  circular  plot." 

At  the  last  annual  meeting  of  the  Trustees,  August  8th,  1882,  resolutions 
had  been  passed  and  committees  appointed  looking  toward  an  early  dedica- 
tion of  the  Monument.     This  brought  into  prominence  the  artistic  interior 


74 


HISTORY   or   THE   SARATOGA   MONUMENT   ASSOCIATION. 


finish  and  the  bronze  statues  for  the  exterior,  which  belonged  to  the  design 
as  it  had  been  accepted.  Numerous  appeals  also  came  to  the  Association  to 
erect  a  statue  to  General  Schuyler  before  a  celebration  should  be  held.  The 
President,  Mr.  Starin,  had  the  matter  under  very  grave  consideration,  and, 
therefore,  at  the  special  meeting  held  in  New  York,  December  20,  1883,  he 
advised  delay,  and  said  that  the  excitement  incidental  to  a  Presidential  elec- 
tion, as  well  as  other  considerations,  would  prove  prejudicial  to  a  celebration 
which  would  be  worthy  of  the  occasion.  Mr.  George  W.  Curtis  also  said: 
"  That  nearly  twenty  years  elapsed  between  the  laying  of  the  corner  stone  of 
of  Bunker  Hill  Monument  and  its  formal  dedication,  and  that  a  delay  in  the 
present  case  would  work  no  ill,  as  the  public  had,  so  to  speak,  a  satiety  of 
centennial  celebrations."  Mr.  Ford  also  sent  copies  of  a  letter  he  had 
addressed  to  the  public,  in  an  appeal  for  funds  for  the  statue  of  General 
Schuyler,  and  some  letters  which  had  been  received  in  reply.  Mr.  Ford's 
letter  was  as  follows  : 

"  Disappointment  having  been  expressed  on  the  part  of  some  that  it  has 
been  decided  not  to  celebrate  the  completion  of  the  Saratoga  Monument  until 
another  year,  I  desire  to  call  attention  to  one  very  important  reason  (to  say 
nothing  of  several  others  that  might  be  mentioned)  why  it  would  be  unwise 
and  improper  to  hold  the  celebration  the  present  year.  In  the  first  place,  it 
would  hardly  seem  appropriate  to  celebrate  the  completion  of  an  incomplete 
work  It  is  true  that  the  granite  shaft  of  the  Monument  has  been  finished  ; 
that  its  towering  and  graceful  proportions  present  the  appearance  of  comple- 
tion, and  yet  the  most  interesting  and  suggestive  part  of  the  Monument,  as 
designed  by  the  architect,  is  still  wanting.  I  refer  to  the  statue  of  General 
Philip  Schuyler. 

"  All  who  have  read  with  attention  the  story  of  Burgoyne's  campaign  must 
feel  that  General  Schuyler  is  the  one  figure  rising  above  all  others  connected 
with  those  stirring  events,  as  worthy  of  our  respect  and  admiration.  It  was 
he  who  prepared  the  harvest  for  another  to  reap.  It  was  he  who  fairly  won 
the  laurels  that  were  placed  upon  the  brow  of  Gates.  It  was  he  whose  untir- 
ing exertions  impeded  and  harrassed  the  invading  army  until  a  sufficient  force 
could  be  organized  to  deal  it  the  decisive  and  fatal  blow.  On  the  very  eve  of 
victory  he  was  displaced  by  General  Gates.  Slander,  intrigue  and  faction 
robbed  him  of  the  honor  and  triumph  that  were  almost  within  his  grasp,  and 
for  a  time  obscured  his  fame  ;  but  in  the  calm  light  of  history  we  have  learned 
to-place  a  true  estimate  upon  his  character  and  services.  To  him  more  than 
to  any  other  do  we  owe  the  grand  results  achieved  in  the  surrender  of  Bur- 
goyne.  Unlike  Arnold,  although  wounded  to  the  heart,  he  endured  the  injus- 
tice heaped  upon  him  with  manly  fortitude  and  with  no  abatement  of  patriotic 
devotion  to  his  country's  cause.     Ex-Governor  Seymour  has  well  said  :   *We 


the  design 
jciation  to 
leld.  The 
ition,  and, 
o,  1883,  he 
:ntial  eiec- 
:elebration 
also  said : 
er  stone  of 
;lay  in  the 
I  satiety  of 
cr  he  had 
Df  General 
Mr.  Ford's 

that  it  has 
ment  until 
ion  (to  say 
be  unwise 
St  place,  it 
incomplete 
finished  ; 
)f  comple- 
ument,  as 
»f  General 

laign  must 
connected 
It  was 
airly  won 
ose  untir- 
:ient  force 
ery  eve  of 
>d  faction 
rasp,  and 
ve  learned 
lore  than 
r  of  Bur- 
the  injus- 
f  patriotic 
lid:   'We 


KX-ViC*. 


KATOGA   MONUMENT  ASSCKTIATIOK 


74 


HT.^TVtRV   OF   THT.   !IA»ATO«U    MONUMRWT   ASBOOIATION. 


for  tlM!  Statue  of  General 
irr       •■  reply.     Mr.  Ford's 


finish  »ml  the  bronze  statues  for  the  exterior,  which  belonged  to  the  design 

a*  it  had  been  accepted.     Numerous  appeals  aJso  came  to  the  Association  to 

'■'  ,iui«"  to  General  St  Iiiryler  before' a  colt^hrntion  should  be  held.     The 

'•,  Mr.  Starin,  had  the   matter  under  very  «ruv«'  <;ousideraiion,  and, 

■    ufori',  at  the  special  meeting  held  in  New  York,  December  20,  1883,  he 

n  isiKl  delay,  and  said  that  the  excitement  incidental  to, a  IVcsidential  elcc- 

1,  as  well  as  other  considerations,  would  prove  prfjudicial  to  a  celebration 

j<  \  ch  would  be  worthy  of  the  occasion.     Mr.  Georjiic  W.  Curtis  also  said: 

"  That  nearly  twenty  years  elapsed  between  the  iayini;  of  the  corner  stone  of 

«j<  Blinker  Hill  Monument  and  its  formal  dedica'!   n,  unii  that  a  delay  in  the 

piescnl  case  would   work   no  ill,  ,t.^  the  public    *  -id,  s  >  to  speak,  a  satiety  of 

centennial   celebrations."      Mr.    Ford   »!so  sent   » opi**.  of  a  letter  he  had 

addressed   to  the  public,   in  an  app«;f»i   for  ' 

S<.huyler,  and  some   letteis  which   *:.   i   '-"■ 

letter  was  as  follows  • 

"  Disappointment  having  been  express^i-f  *  u  the  part  of  some  that  it  has 
been  decided  not  to  celebrate  the  completion  >^<  the  Saratoga  Monument  until 
another  year,  I  desire  to  call  attention  to  one  very  important  reason  ^lo  say 
nothing  of  several  others  that  might  he  mentioned)  why  it  would  be  unwise 
and  improper  to  hold  the  celebration  ilie  present  year.  In  the  first  place,  it 
wo\ild  hardly  seem  appropriate  to  celebrate  the  completion  of  an  incomplete 
work  It  is  true  that  the  granite  shaft  of.  the  Monument  has  been  finished  ; 
that  its  towering  and  graceful  proportions  present  the  appearance  of  compac- 
tion, and  yet  the  most  interesting  and  sugt:festive  part  of  the  Monument,  as 
designed  by  the  architect,  's  still  wanting.  I  refer  to  the  statue  of  General 
Philip  Schuyler. 

"  All  who  have  read  with  attention  the  story  of  Bi  rgoyne's  campaign  must 
fflel  thi'.t  General  Schuyler  is  the  one  figure  rising  above  4I:  others  connected 
with  those  s'lr.ing  events,  as  worthy  of  our  respect  and  aumiration  It  was 
he  who  prepared  the  harvest  for  another  to  rea;..  It  was  he  who  fairly  won 
the  laurels  thsif  were  placed  upon  the  brow  c>t  <,»<.<trs.  It  was  he  whose  untir- 
ing exertions  impeded  and  harrasscd  th<-  Iik  ;,.iif,^;  aimy  uniil  i<  sufficient  force 
could  be  organized  tv  deal  it  the  dei.^i .  •  v  <.l  !i!<>  \      On  the  very  eve  of 

victory  he  was  displH*  ed  by  Qeneral  Gates.  .SJander,  intritjue  and  faction 
robbed  him  of  th**  h^nor  and  triumph  that  were  almost  within  his  grasp,  and 
for  a  time  obscured  hi*;  fa  r>e  ;  hut  in  The  calm  lipfht  of  history  we  have  learned 
to  place  a  true  estimate  upon  his  character  and  services.  To  him  more  than 
to  any  other  do  we  owe  the  gru  's  achieved   in  the  surrender  of  Rur- 

goyne.     Unlike  Arnold,  Hlthow;;!  ■.  .cd  to  the  heart,  he  endured  the  injus- 

tice heaped  upon  him  with  manly  ror'itude  ?nd  with  no  abatement  of  patriotic 
devotion  to  his  country's  caiise,     Ex-Governor  Seymour  has  well  said  :    'We 


EX-VICE-PRESIDENT  SARATOGA   MONUMENT   ASSOCIATION. 


^^f^Ma^^^^M^^^ 


1 


■Ml 


(I! 


muilBHWJ!lU4ai4i.UJJlliiaiiiilMli! 


HIBTOBT   OF  THK   SARATOGA   MONUIIKNT   ASSOCIATION. 


7S 


could  not  well  lose  from  our  history  his  example  of  patriotism,  and  of  per- 
sonal honor  and  chivalry.  We  could  not  spare  the  proof  which  his  case 
furnishes,  that  virtue  triumphs  in  the  end.  We  would  not  change  if  we  could 
the  history  of  his  trials,  for  we  feel  that  they  gave  lustre  to  his  character.' 

"  If  Saratoga  is  worthy  of  a  monument  (and  who  can  say  it  is  not  ?)  then, 
certainly,  the  name  and  fame  of  General  Schuyler  are  worthy  to  be  associated 
with  it  in  the  most  expressive,  tangible  and  enduring  form  that  art  can 
devise.  Without  ihis,  embellish  the  structure*  as  you  may,  and  it  will  come 
far  short  of  its  design  ;  it  will  lack  that  which,  if  supplied,  would  be  its  most 
fitting  and  eloquent  characteristic  ;  it  will  fail  to  recall,  in  their  full  force  and 
import,  the  momentous  events  it  is  intended  to  commemorate,  and  to  tell  as  it 
ought  to  tell  'of  our  gratitude  to  those  who,  through  suffering  and  sacrifice, 
wrought  out  the  independence  of  our  country.'  General  Schuyler's  statue, 
connected  with  the  Monument  as  designed,  would  be  a  fitting,  although  a 
tardy  tribute  to  his  memory,  overlooking  as  it  would  his  broad  estate,  his 
summer  home,  the  village  still  bearing  his  name,  and  the  scene  of  the  brilliant 
victories  and  final  surrender  he  was  so  largely  instrumental  in  securing.  It  is 
a  tribute  every  patriotic  citizen,  especially  every  citizen  of  Saratoga  county, 
ought,  it  seems  to  me,  most  earnestly  to  insist  shall  be  paid  before  the  com- 
pletion of  the  Saratoga  Monument  shall  be  celebrated." 

These  are  among  the  letters  received  by  Mr.  Ford: 

Sir — I  have  your  favor  of  the  2d  inst.,  and  the  paper  containing  the 
notice  of  General  Schuyler,  for  which  please  receive  my  sincere  thanks.  In 
terse  and  eloquent  terms  it  covers  the  ground  of  Gen.  Schuyler's  services  and 
sacrifices  in  the  war  of  the  Revolution. 

I  need  not  say  how  much  his  family  would  be  gratified  at  having  a  statue 
erected  in  his  honor  by  the  citizens  of  his  native  State,  o-  of  the  United  States, 
under  the  auspices  of  the  Sa-aioga  Monument  Association. 

Very  truly  yours, 

George  L.  Schuyler. 


New  York,  May  7th. 

Mv  Dear  Sir — I  have  your  note  of  the  2d,  and  have  no  doubt  that  it 
would  be  harder  to  raise  the  money  for  the  Schuyler  statue  after  the  celebra- 
tion than  before;  and  as  it  seems  to  be  an  integral  part  of  the  Monument,  it 
should  be  in  place  when  the  completion  is  celebrated.  Indeed,  how  is  a  work 
complete  without  all  its  parts  finished  ?    I  agree  with  yof  that  an  address 


76 


HT8T0RY  OF  THE   SAKATOOA  MONUMENT  ASSOCIATION. 


li^ 


; 


t 


upon  Schuyler  at  the  unveiling  would  be  an  interesting  chapter  of  New  York 
history.  As  one  of  the  committee,  I  hope  to  have  a  voice  in  the  selection  of  a 
sculptor  for  the  statue. 

Very  truly  yours, 

George  William  Curtis. 


Ithaca,  N.  Y.,  May  5th. 

My  Dear  Sir — Referring  to  your  letter  of  May  3d,  I  am  glad  to  see  that 
you  are  moving  in  the  matter  of  a  statue  to  Gen.  Schuyler.  It  seems  to  me 
"hat  the  placing  of  such  a  statue  on  your  beautiful  Monument  is  not  only  due 
in  reparttion  to  the  honored  subject  of  it,  but  is  an  incentive  to  patriotism 
hereafter. 

Allow  me  to  say,  also,  that  having  traveled  much  over  the  world,  and 
seen  many  monuments  erected  in  honor  of  distinguished  men  and  in  com- 
memoration of  noted  events,  I  have  difficulty  in  recalling  one  more  interesting 
than  your  own,  marking  as  it  does  the  spot  of  one  of  the  few  great  decisive 
battles  of  the  world,  and  presenting,  as  I  conceive,  in  its  sculptured  docora- 
tu^vi,  one  of  the  happiest  'deas  ever  embodied  in  a  similar  structure,  namely, 
sta\  ues  of  the  three  generals  who  served  the  country,  rad  the  niche  left  vacant 
where  would  have  been  the  statue  of  the  fourth,  had  he  not  become  a  traitor 
to  his  country. 

It  seems  to  me  that  the  erection  of  these  three  statues  and  the  leaving 
vacjnt  this  fourth  niche  is  a  noble  idea,  which  cannot  but  suggest  valuable 
trains  of  thought  to  every  beholder;  the  vacant  niche,  especially,  like  the 
vacant  place  of  Marino  Falieri,  in  the  ducal  palace  at  Venice,  will,  perhaps,  be 
most  eloquent  of  all;  but  to  make  it  thus  eloquent  the  other  three  niches 
must  be  filled.     Earnestly  wishing  you  success  in  your  undertaking,  I  remaii:, 

Respectfully  yours, 

Andrew  D.  White. 


Dover  Plains,  N.  Y.,  May  loth. 

Dear  Sir — If  only  one  statue  was  to  form  a  p&rt  of  the  Saratoga  Monu- 
ment, I  think  that  of  Major  General  Schuyler  pre-eminently  entitled  to  that 
distinction.  To  his  wise  counsels  ;  his  unselfish  patriotism  ;  to  his  military 
skill-;  to  his  vigilance,  which  won  for  him  the  name  of  "The  Great  Eye  of 
the  Northern  Department ;  "  to  his  fortitude  ;  to  his  great  influence  and  to 
his  patient  endurance,  truthful  history  awards  the  honor  of  achieving  the 
rapture  of  Burgov  ne  and  his  army.  He  prepared  the  way  for  Arnold  to  win 
the  prize  of  honor  and  fame,  so  wrongfully  awarded  to  Gates. 

When,  many  years  ago,  I  was  preparing  to  write  a  biography  of  General 


HISTORY   OF  THE  SABATOOA   MONUMENT   ASSOCIATION. 


77 


Schuyler,  all  his  collected  papers — his  letters,  books  and  correspondence,  the 
latter  embracing  about  five  thousand  pieces — v/ere  placed  in  my  hands  by  his 
grandchildren.  The  careful  study  of  these  papers  with  other  cotemporary 
documents,  deeply  impressed  me  with  the  true  greatness  of  Gen.  Schuyler's 
character  in  every  phase  of  it,  as  a  citizen,  a  soldier  and  a  patriot.  He  was 
the  strong  right  arm  of  Washington  in  the  field  and  out  of  it,  in  many  a 
perilous  hour  of  the  great  conflict,  and  to  Schuyler  only  did  the  Commander- 
in-Chief,  in  all  his  military  correspondence,  write  at  the  close  of  his  letters, 
"  Your  affectionate  friend."  Therefore,  with  my  thorough  knowledge  of  the 
true  greatness  of  the  character  of  Gen.  Schuyler,  under  all  circumstances,  I 
heartily  endorse  the  words  which  you  have  so  well  and  truthfully  spoken. 

Yours  truly, 

Benson  J.  Lossing. 

At  the  same  meeting,  Mr.  Curtis  offered  this  resolution  :  "  That  at  present 
it  is  inexpedient  to  name  a  particular  time  for  celebrating  the  completion  of 
the  Monument." 

The  architect  was  asked  about  the  amount  necessary  for  completion  of 
the  Monument  according  to  the  design,  and  stated  that  his  estimate  fov  fur- 
nishing the  interior  of  the  Monument  with  the  bronze  staircases  and  doors 
and  the  sculptured  allegorical  designs  for  the  interior,  including  the  three 
bronze  statues  to  Generals  Schuyler,  Morgan  and  Gates,  was  $100,000,  but  by 
the  substitution  of  terra  cotta  it  might  be  reduced  to  $60,000. 

Mr.  Potter  then  moved  "  that  the  whole  subject  of  memorialising  Con- 
gress and  the  State  Legislature,  the  amount  to  be  asked  for,  and  the  details 
necessary  to  carry  it  to  a  successful  issue,  be  referred  to  the  Committee  on 
Design,"  which  was  carried. 

At  the  annual  meeting  the  following  reports  were  presented  : 

The  Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Tablets  reported  that  the  committee, 
as  represented  by  Mrs.  E.  H.  Walworth,  Lt.  Comd.A.  deR.  McNair,  N.  B. 
Sylvester,  and  Mi,  Geor£;e  Ensign,  accompanied  by  Mr.  J.  W.  Drexel  and  Mr. 
J.  H.  Ehninger,  haci  visited  the  battle-ground  to  inspect  the  tablets  just  deliv- 
ered thers  by  the  contractors,  Booth  Bros.  They  were  found  satisfactory  in 
every  respect,  and  had  been  correctly  placed,  under  the  supervision  of  Mr. 
Ensign. 

The  tablets  are  of  Quincy  granite  of  different  dimensions,  and  are  about 
twenty  inches  square,  and  from  seven  to  nine  feet  in  length.  They  have  been 
placed  upright,  and  are  carefully  secured  at  their  base  in  four  feet  of  grouting. 
The  tablets  respectively  designate  the  following  places  : 

First.— 1\i^  Bemus  Tavern,  at  one  time  the  headquarters  of  General  Gates, 
on  the  river  highway  at  the  foot  of  Bemus  Heights,  directly  in  front  of  :he 


•NWumwaMii 


aBHMHMI 


78 


HISTORY  OF  THE  BABATOOA  MONUMENT  ASSOCIATION. 


cellar  which  indicates  the  old  tavern.  This  tablet  was  given  by  Giles  B. 
Slocum,  of  Michigan. 

Second. — Fort  Neilson,  in  the  dooryard  of  William  Neilson,  on  Bemus 
Heights,  and  on  the  site  of  the  old  Revolutionary  house.  Given  by  James  M. 
Marvin,  of  Saratoga  Springs. 

Third. — Line  of  Battle,  near  Mill  Creek,  on  lands  of  Perry  Congdon, 
originally  the  Joseph  Walker  farm.  Given  by  Mrs.  J.  V.  L  ,'ruyn,  of  Albany, 
in  r  .emory  of  her  husband,  who  was  Vice-President  of  this  Association. 

Fourth. — The  Fall  of  General  Fraaer,  also  on  the  Walker  farm,  and  on  the 
spot  indicated  over  half  a  century  ago  by  Ezra  Buel,  who  was  in  the  battle 
and  had  personal  knowledge  concerning  this  event.    The  gift  of  J.  W.  Drexel. 

Fifth. — Freeman's  Farm,  the  scene  of  the  initial  encounter  between  Mor- 
gan's riflemen  and  Ackland's  grenadiers.  It  was  placiid  in  the  dooryard  of 
William  Esmond,  on  the  site  of  Elisha  Freeman's  log  house,  and  is  the  gift  of 
George  West,  of  Pallston  Spa. 

Sixth. — Memorial  of  Nicholas  Fish,  who  fell  at  th«  battle  of  Saratoga, 
October  7th,  near  Mill  Creek.  It  is  on  the  highway,  and  marks  the  northern 
line  of  the  American  entrenchments,  and  is  the  gift  of  his  son,  ex-Gov- 
ernor Hamilton  Fish,  of  New  York. 

Seventh. — The  Line  of  Retreat,  where  Burgoyne's  army  were  pressed  on 
October  8th.  On  the  premises  of  George  Ensign,  and  is  the  gift  of  the  family 
of  the  late  Webster  Wagner,  of  Palatine  Bridge,  carrying  out  the  expressed 
w<sh  of  the  deceased. 

It  is  now  proposed  to  have  stones  and  earth  placed  about  the  base  of  each 
tablet  as  a  protection  and  for  ornament,  and  also  to  have  the  inscriptions 
gilded  or  blackened,  that  they  may  be  more  easily  read  from  a  vehicle  by 
those  who  pass  them.  The  assurance  previously  received  by  the  committee 
from  each  property  owner,  that  wherever  it  was  practicable  the  site  of  the 
tablet  should  be  thrown  into  the  common,  has  been  carried  out  except  in  one 
instance,  and  we  are  promised  that  this  one  shall  be  so  arranged. 

Subscriptions  have  been  received  from  two  tablets  not  yet  in  place — one 
by  Mrs.  Estelle  Will^ughby  and  another  by  Mr.  J.  W.  Drexel  in  rddition  to 
the  one  already  presented. 

The  successful  placing  of  these  tablets,  and  the  interest  they  have  inspired 
both  here  and  elsewhere,  in  *he  historical  record  of  the  events  they  commemo- 
rate, encourage  the  committee  to  procetd  ;Yith  increased  enthusiasm  in  this 
work. 

A  financial  statement  of  the  receipts  and  expenditures  accompanies  this 
report. 

The  Commissioners,  C.  G.  Lester,  J.  M.  Davison,  and  S,  M,  Dillingham, 
appointed  by  the  Governor  of  the  State  of  New  York  to  carry  out  the  inttn- 


ven  by  Giles  B. 

ilson,  on  Betnus 
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Perry  Congdon, 
ruyn,  of  Albany, 
Association, 
farm,  and  on  ths 
ivas  in  the  battle 
of  J.  W.  Drexel. 
er  between  Mor- 
the  dooryard  of 
ind  is  the  gift  of 

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is  son,  ex-Gov- 

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t  the  expressed 

the  base  of  each 
the  inscriptions 
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the  site  of  the 
It  except  in  one 
:ed. 

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they  commemo- 
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tion  of  the  bill  appropriating  *is,ooo,  reported,  with  the  items,  that  the  whole 
amount  had  been  paid  to  the  contractors,  on  the  certificate  of  the  architect. 

J.  W.  Drexel  was  elected  a  member  of  the  Association. 

Resolutions  of  respect  and  regret  were  passed  upon  the  announce- 
ment of  the  death  of  the  Hon.  James  B.  Campbell,  of  Charleston,  S.  C. 

The  Secretary  also  announced  that  through  the  liberality  of  the  Presi- 
dent, Mr.  Statin,  he  had  lately  been  able  to  secure  for  the  Association  a 
manuscript  journal  of  great  value,  kept  by  Captain  Pausch,  Riedesel's  chief 
of  artillery,  during  Burgoyne's  campaign.  This  journal  has  been  preserved 
in  the  State  archives  of  Cassel,  Germany. 

After  an  adjournment  of  the  meeting,  the  Trustees  spent  some  time  in 
examining  the  designs  of  the  architect  for  the  bas-relif  fs  to  li^e  the  walls  o.' 
the  Monument.  Some  of  them  had  been  cast  in  bropze  plates  of  about  two 
feef  square,  and  others  had  been  handsomely  photographed  on  a  large  scale, 
and  all  were  appropriately  framed.  They  elicited  great  admiration,  and  were 
left  at  the  United  States  Hotel  for  some  time  on  public  exhibition. 

The  year  1884  marks  an  era  in  the  progress  of  the  work  of  the  Saratoga 
Monument  Association.  The  Monument  was  now  erected  to  its  topmost 
stone,  and  in  a  manner  which  is  generally  considered  complete  for  such  com- 
memorative structures.  Plain  doors  and  windows,  and  a  simple  stairway, 
would  put  it  apparently  in  suitable  condition  to  stand  as  the  accomplished 
work  of  the  Trustees,  to  whom  this  great  public  and  patriotic  task  had  been 
assigned.  Thty  might  with  propriety  now  hand  the  Monument  over  to  the 
National  Government  as  a  finished  structure.  To  stop  now  would  save  them 
a  vast  amount  of  work  and  harrassment  and  responsibility,  and  might  be 
seriously  considered.  Did  the  members  of  this  Association  hesitate  ?  Did 
they  fold  their  hands  and  say  :  "  We  have  done  enough  ;  let  others  do  their 
share  ?"  No  !  not  for  a  moment  did  the  patriotism  or  enthusiasm  of  their 
purpose  flag,  although  they  knew,  as  few  outside  of  this  Association  can 
know,  the  burden  which  they  cheerfully  assumed.  Those  engaged  in  disin- 
terested, gratuitous  public  enterprises  will  understand  the  nature  of  the 
renewed  responsibility.  This  was  an  effort  to  carry  out  the  grand  and  artistic 
conception  of  the  architect,  who  had  devoted  many  years  of  study  to  this  par- 
ticular subject.  The  Trustees  appreciated  his  ideal  and  believed  in  it,  and 
whatever  criticisms  may  be  due  to  the  execution  of  the  work  as  it  was  after- 
wards accomplished,  should  be  attributed  to  the  experimental  condition  of  all 
architectural  art  in  our  country. 

The  best  known  artiists  were  employed  to  develop  and  perfect  this  noble 
conception  of  the  architect  ;  and  those  who  honor  art,  as  well  as  those  whose 
hearts  burn  with  love  of  country,  must  yield  a  tribute  of  appreciation  and 
admiration  to  this  new  departure  in  monumental  art,  and  concede  that  it  is  a 


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HISTORY  OF  THE   SARATOGA  MONUMENT   ASSOCIATION. 


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generous  effort  to  develop  true  American  art  and  perpetuate  heroic  mem- 
ories. 

The  officers  and  committees  were  as  follows  : 

President,  John  H.  Starin  ;  Vice-Presidents,  James  M.  Marvin,  J.  Watts 
Depeyster  ;  Secretary,  William  Stone  ;  Treasurer,  D.  S.  Potter. 

Standing  Committees. 

Committee  on  Design  :  William  L.  Stone,  John  H.  Starin,  D.  F.  Ritchie, 
E.  F.  Bullard,  P.  C.  Ford,  Algernon  S.  Sullivan,  George  William  Curtis, 
J.  Watts  Depeyster,  Charles  K.  Graham,  W.  A.  Sackett. 

Building  Committee  :  P.  C.  Ford,  D.  A.  Bullard,  William  L.  Stone. 

Executive  Committee :  D.  S.  Potter,  J.  M.  Marvin,  D.  F.  Ritchie,  P,  C. 
Ford,  C.  W.  Mayhew,  J.  G.  Dillingham,  C.  S.  Lester,  J.  M.  Davison. 

Advisory  Committee :  Algernon  S.  Sullivan,  P.  C.  Ford,  E.  F.  Bullard. 

Committee  on  the  Custody  of  the  Monument :  Mrs.  E.  H.  Walworth, 
P.  C.  Ford,  J.  H.  Dillingham,  W.  L.  Stone. 

Committee  on  Tablets  :  Mrs.  E.  H.  Walworth,  A.  de  R.  McNair,  J,  W. 
Drexel. 

Committee  on  the  Proper  Conduct  of  the  Dedication  of  the  Monument : 
P.  C.  Ford,  D.  S.  Potter,  S.  A.  Bullard,  C.  W.  Mayhew,  Jas.  M.  Marvin, 
W.  A.  Sackett,  D.  F.  Ritchie,  Chas.  S.  Lester,  J.  M.  Davison,  J.  H.  Dillingham. 

Committee  on  Speakers  at  the  Dedication  of  the  Monument :  W.  L.  Stone, 
P.  C.  Ford,  Mrs.  E.  H.  Walworth. 

The  President  of  the  Saratoga  Monument  Association  called  a  special 
meeting  of  the  trustees  February  8,  16&S,  at  the  Gilsey  House,  in  New  York 
city,  where  he  had  prepared  a  sumptuous  banquet  to  entertain  them,  after 
the  long  session  with  its  perplexing  questions  had  come  to  an  end. 

There  were  present  at  this  meeting,  John  H.  Starin,  President ;  James 
M.  Marvin  and  J.  Watts  Depeyster,  Vice-Presidents  ;  W.  L.  Stone,  Secretary; 
Chas.  R.  Graham,  Algernon  S.  Sullivan,  Jos.  W.  Drexel,  Chas.  S.  Lester, 
D.  S.  Potter,  J.  H.  Dillingham,  A.  B.  Baucus,  J.  M.  Davison,  W.  L.  Stone,  Jr., 
Edward  Wemple,  W.  A.  Sackett,  and  J.  C.  Markham  the  architect. 

Interesting  and  encouraging  letters  were  read  from  many  distinguished 
Trustees  who  could  not  be  present. 

The  Secretary  announced  that  through  the  wise  and  earnest  efforts  of 
Trustees  Cox  and  Wemple,  Congress  had  appropriated  forty  thousand  dollars 
for  the  statuary  of  the  Saratoga  Monument. 

The  Association  expressed  high  appreciation  of  these  efforts,  and  a  vote 
of  thanks  was  also  sent  to  the  New  York  Senators,  Mr.  Warner  Miller  and 
Mr.  Lapham,  for  their  valuable  assistance  in  obtaining  the  passage  of  this 
bill. 


\ 


HISTORY   OF  THE  SARATOGA   MONUMENT  ASSOCIATION. 


8i 


With  regard  to  the  expenditure  of  this  money,  there  were  many  points  lo 
be  discussed.  Shoula  the  three  bronze  statues  be  ordered  first,  or  should  the 
historical  tablets  for  the  walls  of  the  interior  precede  these  ?  Or,  again,  should 
the  bronze  doors  and  stairway  come  before  either,  or  should  there  be  a 
cheaper  substitute  for  them  ?  Would  it  be  better  to  advertise  for  bids  for  the 
statues,  or  select  well  known  artists  to  offer  models  ? 

There  was  a  diversity  of  opinion,  but  the  following  resolutions  were 
unanimously  agreed  upon  :  That  the  entire  question  of  the  statues  should  be 
left  with  the  Committee  on  Design  ;  and  the  interior  tablets  should  be  in  the 
same  manner  in  the  hands  of  the  architect,  and  that  he  would  be  respons.oie 
for  a  proper  execution  of  this  work.  It  was  further  resolved  "  that  the  Com- 
mittee OP  Design  should  apply  the  present  appropriation  to  the  three  statues 
of  Schuyler,  Gates  and  Morgan,  and  to  the  interior  decoration  of  one  story  of 
the  Monument." 

Another  subject  of  deliberation  was  the  method  of  soliciting  the  Legisla- 
ture of  New  York  for  twenty-five  thousand  dollars  for  the  remaining  deco- 
ration of  the  Monument  and  for  the  expenses  of  the  dedication.  Mr.  D.  S. 
Potter  submitted  the  draft  of  a  bill  which  was  approved,  and  a  committee, 
with  Mr.  Potter  as  Chairman,  was  appointed  by  the  President  to  endeavor  to 
secure  this  appropriation. 

At  the  annual  meeting,  August  12,  1884,  in  Saratoga  Springs,  the  Senior 
Vice-President,  James  M.  Marvin,  occupied  the  chair  ;  the  Secretary,  Mr, 
Stone,  announced  the  death  of  Trustees  Giles  B.  Slocum  and  Isaac  N.  Arnold, 
and  paid  an  eloquent  tribute  to  the  memory  of  each.  The  President,  John  H. 
Starin,  sent  the  following  letter  : 

My  Dear  Sir — It  is,  I  am  sure,  unnecessary  to  say  to  you  in  writing  what 
I  have  frequently  said  verbally,  that  I  am  thoroughly  alive  to  the  importance 
of  the  meeting  of  the  Saratoga  Monument  Association  to  be  held  the  coming 
week.  Being  so  fully  impressed  with  its  importance,  I  regret  the  more  that 
it  will  not  be  possible  for  me  to  attend,  and  for  the  reason  that  I  wished  per- 
sonally to  bid  the  Trustees  to  be  of  good  cheer,  and  to  say  to  them  that  I  had 
every  assurance  that  we  would  get  an  appropriation  from  the  Government  at 
the  coming  session.  I  had  also  wished  to  bear  personal  testimony  to  the 
exceedingly  able  address  in  behalf  of  the  Monument  Association,  which  was 
delivered  before  the  Congressional  Committee  by  Mr.  Algernon  S.  Sullivan. 
It  would  also  have  been  appropriate,  I  think,  to  have  referred  to  the  eloquent 
letter  of  Mr.  George  W.  Curtis  which  did  good  work  in  the  same  direction, 
and  to  bear  testimony  to  the  indefatigable  energy,  tact  and  good  sense  dis- 
played by  Mr.  Congressman  Wemple  in  his  efforts  to  secure  the  passage  of 
the  appropriation  bill.  As  it  is,  however,  I  am  forced  to  forego  these  pleas- 
ures ;  business  of  the  utmost  importance  will  prevent  me  from  being  present 


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HISTORY  OF  THE  SABATOOA   MONCHENT   ASSOCIATION. 


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with  you.  My  consolation  is,  that  Mr.  Marvin,  our  worthy  Vice-President, 
will  doubtless  be  present  to  preside  over  your  deliberations. 

It  will  be  your  duty  as  Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Design  to  read  to 
the  meeting  the  report  of  that  committee.  It  will  doubtless  have  the  more 
weight  as  it  was  made  unanimously.  I  sincerely  hope  the  Association  will 
approve  our  action  in  regard  to  accepting  the  architect's  designs  for  the 
interior  sculpture  which  seemed,  not  only  to  myself,  but  to  Mr.  Curtis,  Mr. 
Sullivan,  Judge  Bacon  and  Mr.  Potter,  together  with  the  Library  Committee 
of  both  Houses  of  Congress,  to  be  exceedingly  appropriate,  both  in  the  alle- 
gorical ideas  conveyed  and  in  the  manner  in  which  it  is  proposed  to  execute  the 
work.  I  have  every  reason  to  believe  that  there  will  be  no  hesitancy  in  giving 
Mr.  Markham,  the  architect,  every  credit  for  his  laudable  efforts. 

Again  regretting  that  I  cannot  be  present  at  the  meeting,  and  in  the  sin- 
cere hope  that  it  may  be  successful  in  every  way,  I  have  the  honor  to  be 

Sincerely  yours, 

John  H.  Starin. 

The  Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Design,  Mr.  W.  L.  Stone,  submitted 
his  report,  which  was  unanimously  adopted.  It  gives  a  r6sum6  of  the  work 
of  the  Association  during  the  year.  He  said  :  "  The  Committee  on  Design, 
to  which  was  intrusted  the  business  of  approaching  Congress,  in  conformity 
with  the  by-laws  of  the  Association,  held  a  meeting  in  New  York,  in  Decem- 
ber, 1883.  Designs  for  the  statues  and  bas-reliefs  were  submitted  by  the 
architect,  which  after  a  full  discussion  and  interchange  of  views,  were  unani- 
mously approved  and  accepted,  and  the  architect  was  requested  to  go  on  with 
his  studies,  so  that  when  the  expected  appropriation  from  Congress  should 
be  obtained  there  might  be  no  delay  in  their  execution.  The  designs  which 
were  shown  to  the  Committee  and  accepted  are  as  follows  :  The  statues  are 
to  be  of  bronze  and  seven  feet  high  ;  they  represent  Generals  Gates,  Schuyler 
and  Morgan,  and  will  fill  the  niches  in  the  three  sides  of  the  Monument,  the 
fourth  side  to  be  left  vacant  with  Arnold's  name  inscribed  under  it.  Bas- 
reliefs  are  to  line  the  walls  of  the  five  stories  of  the  Monument,  p'-°tsenting  in 
enduring  bronze  historical  and  allegorical  scenes  germane  to  to  the  campaign. 
Eight  of  these  on  the  first  story  are  to  be  placed  in  a  series  of  four  each.  The 
first  four  represent  scenes  on  the  British  side — a  '  Consultation  of  George  III. 
and  his  Generals,'  the '  March  of  the  British  Army,'  the  '  Battles '  and  the  '  Sur- 
render of  General  Burgoyne  to  General  Gates.'  The  second  series  represent 
scenes  on  the  American  side  —  the  '  Women  of  the  Revolution,'  the  '  March  of 
the  Continental  Army,'  the  '  Transfer  of  Command  from  Schuyler  to  Gates,' 
the  'Wounding  of  Arnold.' " 

It  was  arranged  at  this  meeting  that  the  President,  Mr.  Starin,  and  Mr. 
Algernon  Sullivan  should  go  to  Washington,  and  Mr.  Sullivan  and  Mr.  Stone 


1 


HI8T0KY   OF  TUB   SARATOGA.   MONUMENT   ASSOCIATION. 


83 


were  requested  to  draw  the  bill  to  be  presented  to  Congress.  Accordingly 
on  February  13th,  1884,  these  gentlemen  and  Mr.  Potter  appeared  before  the 
joint  Congressional  Library  Committee  of  both  houses.  As  a  result  of  the 
efforts  of  that  committee  in  Washington,  the  following  papers  are  presented  : 


In  the  Senate  of  the  United  States. 

(March  4,  1884, — Orde.'ed  to  be  printed.) 

Mr.  Sherman,  from  the  Committee  on  the  Library,  submitted  the  follow- 
ing Report  (to  accompany  bill  S.  1309)  : 

The  Committee  on  the  Library,  having  had  under  consideration  the  bill 
(S.  1309)  appropriating  $40,000  to  provide  statuary  and  historical  tablets 
for  the  Saratoga  Monument,  respectfully  report : 

It  appears  that  the  State  of  New  York  incorporated,  tinder  perpetual 
charter,  "  The  Saratoga  Monument  Association,"  with  a  purpose  to  suitably 
commemorate  the  surrender  of  the  British  Army  by  General  Burgoyne,  A.  D. 
1777. 

That  Association  has  acquired  title  to  four  acres  of  land  within  the  lines 
of  Burgoyne's  intrenched  camp,  overlooking  the  field  of  the  sur-^nder,  and 
has  also  erected  thereon  a  beautiful  monumental  shaft,  155  feet  high.  The 
structure  is  completed,  and  is  ready  now  for  statues  of  the  generals  who 
commanded  the  Continental  Army,  and  for  the  historic  tablets  in  bronze, 
which,  according  to  the  designs  of  the  Monument  Association,  shall  record 
in  words  and  allegorf.cal  pictures,  the  events  and  circumstances  of  the  Revo- 
lutionary struggle,  at  the  period  of  the  battles  on  and  near  the  plains  of 
Saratoga. 

The  battle  of  Saratoga  was  beyond  doubt  the  most  momentous  battle  of 
the  Revolutionary  war,  and  most  decisive  in  results.  It  peculiarly  combined 
the  soldiers  from  colonies  North  and  Fouth,  and  united  them  more  than  ever. 
Its  victory  led  instantly  to  the  alliartce  of  France.  In  every  respect  the  event 
appeals  to  Congress  for  special  recognition  of  its  historic  import.  To  meet 
the  expense  of  their  work  the  Association  have  rec^ved  $25,000  from  the 
State  pf  New  York,  $30,000  from  the  United  States,  and  about  $10,000  from 
individual  contributors,  making  $65,000.  This  appears  to  have  been  expended 
judiciously  and  economically. 

Your  committee  approve  the  designs  for  adding  to  the  Monument  suitable 
descriptive  features,  in  statues  and  bronze  tablets,  the  sketches  and  drawings 
for  which  have  been  exhibited  to  this  committee. 

To  enable  the  Association  to  carry  out  these  designs,  they  require  a  sum 
equal  at  least  to  that  already  expended.     They  intend  to  apply  to  the  State 


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HISTOBT  OF  THE  SARATOGA   MONUMKMT  AB80CIATI0N. 


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of  New  York  and  to  its  citizens  for  all  except  $40,000,  which  they  ask  that 
Congress  shall  appropriate. 

In  view  of  the  dignity  of  the  event  to  be  noted,  the  appropriateness  of 
the  plans  adopted,  the  favorable  progress  of  the  design  to  the  present  time, 
the  high  character  of  the  Monument  Association,  your  committee  recommend 
the  passage  of  the  bill. 

As  a  fuller  statement  of  the  considerations  which  prompted  the  cou- 
mittee  to  report  this  bill,  we  beg  leave  to  append  as  an  exhibit  the  proceedings 
of  and  statements  made  before  this  committee  at  its  meeting  on  the  15th  of 
February  ultimo: 

Washington,  February  15,  1884. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Committee  on  the  Library,  having  under  considera- 
tion the  bill  authorizing  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  to  pay  to  the  President 
of  the  Saratoga  Monument  Association  the  sum  of  $40,000  to  complete  the 
statuary  and  historic  tablets  of  the  Saratoga  Monument,  a  committee  was 
present  on  behalf  of  said  Association,  viz.,  Hon.  John  H.  Starin,  Hon.  William 
J.  Bacon,  Mr.  D.  S.  Potter,  and  Mr.  Algernon  S.  Sullivan.  Mr.  George  William 
Curtis,  a  member  of  the  committee,  could  not  be  present,  but  sent  a  letter  to 
be  read,  favoring  the  proposed  bill. 

At  the  request  of  Mr.  Starin,  Mr.  Wemple  made  the  following  statement: 

We  exhibit  to  the  Library  Committee  a  photograph  of  the  Saratoga 
Battle  Monument  as  it  stands  completed  in  granite  to-day.  It  is  155  feet  high, 
and  stands  within  the  lines  of  the  battle-field,  on  a  blufi  300  feet  above  and  over- 
looking the  Hudson,  thus  giving  it  an  actual  height  above  the  river  level  of 
455  feet.  *  *  •  All  that  remains  to  be  added  are  the  bronze  statues  in 
the  outside  niches,  and  the  sculptured  decoration  inside.  This  sculpture  will 
represent  in  aUo  relievo  historical  and  allegorical  scenes  connected  with  the 
earlier  period  of  the  Revolution.     •    *    ♦ 

The  cost  of  the  grounds,  grading,  etc.,  amounting  to  about  $10,000,  has 
been  paid  by  private  subscription  of  the  Trustees  of  the  Association  and  by 
citizens  of  Schuylerville.  The  design  for  the  Monument,  originally  sug- 
gested by  Hamilton  Fish  and  Horatio  Seymour,  was  to  combine  the 
character  of  the  Egyptian  obelisk  with  the  gothic  style  of  architecture. 
Accordingly,  in  1873,  ^  committee  of  design  commissioned  Mr.  J.  C.  Mark- 
ham,  their  architect,  to  furnish  a  design  for  a  monument  which  should 
be  much  more  imposing  than  that  whiph  has  been  constructed.  The 
design  originally  furnished  was  for  a  monument,  the  estimated  cost  of 
which  was  $500,000.  Discovering  the  difficulty  of  raising  such  a  sum, 
the  Association  was  compelled  to  modify  their  plans  in  accordance  with 
the  Monument  as  it  now  exists.     But  to  compensate  for  the  reduction  in 


ATION. 

which  they  ask   that 

appropriateness  of 
to  the  present  time, 
mmittee  recommend 

prompted  the  cou- 
ibit  the  proceedings 
ting  on  the   15th  of 


)ruary  15,  1884. 

ug  under  considera- 
)uy  to  the  President 
3o  to  complete  the 
t,  a  committee  was 
tarin,  Hon.  William 
Ar.  George  William 
but  sent  a  letter  to 

)llowing  statement: 

h  of  the  Saratoga 

It  is  15s  feet  high, 

'eet  above  and  over- 

the   river  level  of 

bronze  statues  in 

rhis  sculpture  will 

:onnected  with  the 

about  $10,000,  has 

\ssociation  and  by 

U,   originally  sug- 

to    combine    the 

s   of    architecture. 

d  Mr.  J.  C.  Mark- 

ent  which   should 

onstructed.       The 

estimated   cost   of 

sing  such   a  sum, 

accordance  with 

the  reduction  in 


••  1. 


;i 


J.  C.  MARKIIAM, 
ARCHITECT  OF  THK  SARATOGA  MONUMENT. 


^< 

1 

ill     ■ 

I' 

f ' 

i 
Kl 

^  1 

1 

Li 

^ 


9mm 


HISTORY   OF  THE   8ARAT0OA  MOMtTMRNT  ASBOCIATIOK. 


85 


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h. 

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Vi. 

i 

r  Treasuf  , 

••  i     cari  V  '  • 

f  ij.ooo  in  T.<'i  > 

lOfty  and  inde- 
ratoga  and  the 
ory  only.     The 
statuary  to  be 
,»J   <     which  was  to  line 
. '    staircases  and 
-   scope  for  the 
t  of  the  Monu- 
telling  speeches 
it  the  time  on 
lark  but  make 
■    tare  that  your 
duced  in  Con- 
st 4m         for  the  Monu- 
ion,  Hon.  John 
)  complete  the 
the  work, 
d  he  feel  upon 
that  before  he 
:hers  to  obtain 
:hat  if  that  sum 
an  go  to  Con- 
itone  upon   the 
s,  added  to  the 
»     ,ooo  for  ground 
■nt,  as  you  now 


lai  «f  the 

T' 


■•tone,  Benson  J. 

.  ".'(g  t  M  nuaent  Association 
'  ew,  V>..'-k  The  object  was  to 
■  le's  surrcndi  I.    That  Associa- 

iltiCb.  Tlicy  laid  the  corner- 
■.iin>:n  '  ■!     .  ^  !  'he  capstone  was 

site   is  anjust  identical  with 

ver  01   tlu'  Bi  tish  army  to  the 


'  ion  are  :  Horatio 


^- • '•""•"'''•■•••WEaj' 


ARC  HIT! 


r.    MARK  i  I  NM. 

TlIF,  SARATCX.A    M     SUMKNT. 


HI8T0BY   OF  THE  SARATOGA  MONUMENV  ASSOCIATION. 


85 


! 


I  ' 


size  two  elements  were  substituted  :  The  first  was  that  of  a  lofty  and  inde- 
pendent shaft  or  tower  overlooking  the  classic  plains  of  Saratoga  and  the 
battle-fields  of  Bemis  Heights,  and  being  expressive  of  victory  only.  The 
second  and  more  important  element  of  this  design  was  the  statuary  to  be 
placed  in  the  niches  and  the  tower,  and  historic  sculpture  which  was  to  line 
the  interior  of  its  walls  to  the  height  of  65  feet,  with  bronze  staircases  and 
floors  of  a  costly  tile  of  original  historic  design.  This  gives  scope  for  the 
partial  realization  of  the  dec'gn  of  1873,  and  it  is  this  element  of  the  Monu- 
ment which  Horatio  Seymour  refers  to  when,  in  one  of  his  most  tell;  ng  speeches 
delivered  at  the  laying  of  the  corner-stone,  standing,  rn  fact,  at  the  time  on 
its. corner-stone,  he  says:  "National  monuments  not  only  mark  but  make 
the  civilization  of  the  people."  It  is  for  this  historic  sculpture  that  your 
committee  urged  the  passage  of  the  bill  which  has  been  introduced  in  Con- 
gress at  their  request. 

In  1880  the  State  of  New  York  had  appropriated  $25,000  for  the  Monu- 
ment, and  the  President  of  the  Saratoga  Monument  Association,  Hon.  John 
H.  Starin,  appeared  before  Congress,  asking  for  $30,000  to  complete  the 
structure,  and  he  represented  that  that  sum  would  accomplish  the  work. 

His  word  has  been  made  good.  Indeed,  so  strongly  did  he  feel  upon 
this  point,  and  so  determined  that  it  should  be  made  good,  that  before  he 
would,  as  President  of  the  Association,  sign  the  requisite  vouchers  to  obtain 
the  warrant  from  the  Treasurer  of  the  United  States,  he  said  that  if  that  sum 
were  not  sufficient  to  carry  the  tower  to  completion,  rather  than  go  to  Con- 
gress for  more  money,  he  would,  in  order  to  place  the  capstone  upon  the 
Monument,  give  $5,000  in  person.  The  $30,000  from  Congress,  added  to  the 
$25,000  from  the  State  of  New  York,  and  the  sum  of  about  $10,000  for  ground 
and  other  expenses,  has  been  sufficient  to  pay  for  the  Monument,  as  you  now 
see  it,  and,  in  fact,  it  is  16  feet  higher  than  the  original  design. 


THE    ASSOCIATION. 

In  1859  Hamilton  Fish,  Horatio  Seymour,  William  L  Stone,  Benson  J. 
Lossing  and  John  A.  Corey  organized  the  Saratoga  Monument  Association 
under  a  perpetual  charter  from  the  State  of  New  York,  The  object  was  to 
engage  a  fitting  memorial  on  the  site  of  Burgoyne's  surrender.  That  Associa- 
tion has  pursued  its  object  amid  many  difficulties.  They  laid  the  corner- 
stone of  the  structure  on  the  centennial  of  the  surrender,  and  the  capstone  was 
placed  in  position  on  November  3,  1882.  The  site  is  almost  identical  with 
that  where  Gen.  Burgoyne  surrendered  the  flower  of  the  British  army  to  the 
American  General  Gates. 

Among  the  active  trustees  and  members  of  the  Association  are  :  Horatio 


86 


HISTORY  OF  THE   SARATOGA   MONUMENT  ASSOCIATION. 


Seymour,  Warner  Miller,  E.  G.  Laphatn,  S.  S.  Cox,  J.  Watts  De  Peyster,  Chas. 
K.  Graham,  James  M.  Marvin,  Edward  Wemple,  Douglas  Campbell,  William 
L.  Stone,  Benson  J.  Lossing,  George  William  Curtis,  William  J.  Bacon,  Giles 
B.  Slocum,  D.  S.  Potter,  and  many  other  distinguished  citizens  of  New  York  ; 
S.  D.  Kirk,  W.  W.  Sale,  Charles  H.  Simonton  and  Samuel  Dibble,  of  South 
Carolina  ;  and  Isaac  N.  Arnold,  of  Illinois,  whose  character  as^sures  the  coun- 
try that  any  sum  appropriated  by  the  bill  under  consideration  will  be  faith- 
fully applied  to  the  object  for  which  it  is  asked. 


THIS   APPLICATION. 

It  is  due  to  the  dignity  of  the  Association  that  we  should  call  attention  to 
that  which  we  regard  as  the  exceptional  nature  of  this  application  and  justify- 
ing it.  In  such  a  case  as  that  interesting  centennial  celebration  which  recently 
took  place  in  New  York  City,  that  is,  the  commemoration  of  the  fina'  depart- 
ure of  British  troops  from  America,  and  the  erection  of  a  statue  <i'  ^'  ng- 
ton  en  the  very  spot  where  he  took  the  first  oath  of  office  as  President,  the 
citizens  of  New  York  cheerfully  subscribed  the  money  needed  to  carry  out  the 
object  without  any  application  to  Congress.  In  a  great  degree  the  event  was 
of  local  importance.  So,  again,  in  marking  another  historical  event,  namely, 
setting  up  a  tablet  at  the  point  on  the  Battery  where  Washington  took  barge, 
after  his  farewell  to  his  officers,  on  his  journey  to  Annapolis  to  surrender  his 
commission  and  to  retire  to  private  life  at  Mount  Vernon,  the  citizens  of  New 
York  did  not  besiege  Congress  for  contribution  towards  the  expense  thus 
incurred,  and  so  they  act  in  scores  of  like  cases.  But  the  events  at  Saratoga 
were  so  wide-reaching  and  of  such  general  historical  interest  that  we  have 
felt,  of  themselves,  they  would  commend  this  application  to  Congress.  More 
than  a  century  has  elapsed  since  that  illustrious  event.  All  the  actors  therein  are 
gone  ;  we  are  sharing  the  rewards  of  their  devotion  and  suffering,  and  we  may 
well  listen  to  the  claims  for  commemoration  of  the  first  decisive  triumph 
which  vindicated  the  Declaration  of  Independence  and  secured  the  integrity 
of  the  Confederation,  and  in  which  the  men  of  New  England,  of  the  Midd' ; 
States  and  of  the  South  stood  side  by  side. 

I  had  hoped  that  my  associate  on  the  committee,  Mr.  George  William 
Curtis,  would  be  present  to  represent  our  cause.  In  his  absence  I  take  pleas- 
ure in  reading  his  letter  on  the  subject : 


West  New  Brighton,  Staten  Island,  N.  Y., 
February  13,  1884. 

Mv  Dear  Sir — It  is  most  unfortunate  that  I  am  so  entangled  with  a  series 
of  unavoidable  engagements  that  I  cannot  possibly  find  the  time  to  accom- 


HISTORY   OF   THE   SARATOGA   MONUMENT   ASSOCIATION. 


87 


pany  you  to  Washington,  as  I  had  intended  and  should  most  gladly  do,  to 
assist  you  in  advocating  the  grant  for  the  completion  of  the  Monument  at 
Saratoga. 

Yet  I  am  sure  that  Congress  ought  not  to  need  much  urging  to  add  the 
final  grace  and  decoration  to  a  memorial  of  the  great  military  event  in  which 
the  Revolution  culminated^  the  surrender  of  Burgoyne.  The  event  which,  in 
our  familiar  phrase,  "broke  the  back  "  of  the  British  power  on  this  continent, 
secured  open  recognition  and  aid  from  France,  and  so  prepared  the  final  vic- 
tory at  Yorktown,  is  an  exceptional  event  of  supreme  interest  and  importance 
to  the  whole  country,  and  its  worthy  commemoration  upon  the  spot  where  it 
occurred  is  properly  a  national  care. 

This  has  been  recognized  by  Congress,  and  all  that  we  now  ask  is  that  a 
work  which  has  been  brought  almost  to  completion  in  the  most  honest  and 
satisfactory  way,  shall  be  finished  appropriately  by  statues  of  the  two  or  three 
chief  American  leaders  upon  the  field,  and  by  memorial  tablets  which,  in 
imperishable  lines,  shall  tell  the  story  of  the  heroic  day.  I  think  that  the  com- 
mittee may  be  assured  from  the  character  of  the  gentlemen  to  whom  the 
disposition  of  the  grant  will  be  entrusted,  and  from  the  manner  in  which  the 
work  has  been  hitherto  performed,  that  the  grant  would  be  devoted  most 
carefully  and  intelligently  to  the  proper  purpose,  and  I  should  regret  my 
inability  to  accompany  you  still  more  if  I  could  suppose  that  my  absence 
could  be  attributed  to  any  lack  of  personal  interest  in  the  work.  As  Patrick 
Henry  said,  when  he  made  the  cause  of  the  Revolution  his  own,  "  I  am  not  a 
Virginian,  I  am  an  American,"  so  I  hope  that  the  committee  will  feel  that  the 
completion  of  a  great  Revolutionary  memorial  is  not  the  cause  of  a  State  but 
of  the  country. 

Very  truly  yours, 

George  William  Curtis. 

The  first  part  of  the  design,  as  I  have  stated,  namely,  the  erection  and 
completion  of  the  Monument  itself,  is  now  an  accomplished  fact.  It  .is  pro- 
nounced by  President  Andrew  D.  White,  ex-Governor  A.  B.  Cornell,  Rev.  Dr. 
Irenius  Prime,  and  other  competent  judges,  the  finest  independent  tower  in 
America. 

It  now  stands  as  an  accomplished  work,  a  fitting  receptacle  for  the  sculp- 
tured history  of  the  nation's  early  life;  and  while  marking  a  spot  sacred  to  the 
American  people,  its  tablets  and  slatues  will  legibly  record  the  significant 
events  of  the  American  struggle  for  independence. 

The  appropriations  made  by  Congress  already  amount  *o  $30,000  for  this 
work.  The  Legislature  of  New  York  appropriated  $25,000.  That  amount 
and  $10,000  additional  have  been  expended.    The  Association  needs  furthrr 


88 


HISTOBT  OF  THE   BABATOOA  MONDMBIIT  ASSOCIATION. 


appropriations  to  complete  the  statuary,  the  interior  finish,  the  brass  and 
bronze  work,  the  plate  glass  and  tile.  The  statuary  consists  of  the  statues  of 
General  Schuyler,  General  Gates  and  General  Morgan,  each  at  least  7  feet  i.i 
height,  for  the  exterior  niches.  There  will  be  sixteen  pieces  of  liistory  sculp, 
tured  in  the  interior  of  the  first  two  stories,  three  pieces  in  the  third  story, 
sixteen  pieces  in  the  fourth  and  fifth  stories,  bronze  or  brass  stairs  in  the  flrst 
story,  and  iron  above,  terra-cotta  symbolic  friezes,  and  bronze  or  brass  car- 
riages for  the  guny  to  be  placed  on  the  pediments,  some  of  which  will  be  those 
captured  on  the  battle-field. 

The  entire  expense  of  this  suitable  completion  of  the  work  which  has 
been  intrusted  to  us  will  be  from  $60,000  to  375)Ooo-  We  have  every  reason 
to  justify  us  in  stating  to  your  committee  that  the  sum  needed  additional  to 
that  which  we  ask  Congress  to  now  appropriate  will  be  promptly  furnished 
by  the  Legislature  and  citizens  of  the  State  of  New  York. 

We  therefore  respectfully  submit  that  our  application  is  one  which  should 
receive  a  favorable  report  from  your  committee  and  favorable  action  by 
Congress. 


Remarks  of  Mr.  Cox. 

Mr.  Speaker— Perhaps  no  nation  known  to  history  had  so  remarkable  a 
love  of  monumental  glory  as  Greece.  Athens  was  the  eye  of  Greece,  and 
Greece  through  Athens  gave  refinement  to  what  Egypt  gave  to  her.  She  gave 
symmetry,  proportion  nd  glory  to  her  temples  and  monuments  in  celebration 
of  her  heroes.  It  was  a  part  of  her  religion  Her  mythology  exalted  her 
he<'oes  into  demi-gods,  and  her  gods  were  made  monumental  and  immortal  in 
every  niche  of  her  parthenons.  It  was  a  sign  and  a  proof  of  the  refinement  of 
her  civilization.  It  was  an  illustration  of  the  remark  of  our  revered  ex-Gov- 
ernor Seymour,  quite  apposite  to  the  present  occasion,  that  national  monu- 
ments not  only  mark  but  make  civilization. 

When  Pericles  proclaimed  in  his  oration  over  the  dead  of  Marathon  tha* 
the  "  mighty  monuments  of  Hellenic  power  were  witnesses  for  Greece  to  make 
her  the  wonder  of  succeeding  ages,"  he  but  anticipated,  if  he  did  not  gen- 
eralize upon,  the  primal  virtues  of  such  monumental  testimony  to  heroism. 

But,  sir,  time  lapses  and  mor  ments  decay.  Perhaps  there  is  nothing 
left  but  the  living  word  of  history.  By  the  elemental,  and  I  may  say,  chemical 
dissolutions  of  nature,  new  forms  and  new  orders  are  made  in  the  economies 
of  our  star.     Chaos  becomes  cosmos,  and  cosmos  becomes  chaos. 

The  Monument  wh-ch  marks  a  great  era  in  this  new  hemisphere  most 
cunspicuous,  permanent  and  patriotic  in  our  history,  is  that  which  now 
attracts  the  attention  of  the  American  Congress. 


HISTORY    OF   THK   SARATOGA    MONUMENT    AflSOOIATION. 


89 


he  brass  and 
the  statues  of 
east  7  feet  i.i 
liistory  sculp- 
:  third  story, 
irs  in  the  first 
ar  brass  car- 
i  will  be  those 

rk  which  has 

every  reason 

additional  to 

tly  furnished 

which  should 
e  action    by 


remarkable  a 
Greece,  and 
r.  She  gave 
1  celebration 
exalted  her 
immortal  in 
efinement  of 
red  ex-Gov- 
ional  monu- 

rathon  th»* 

ece  to  make 

id  not  c'en- 

heroism. 

is  nothing 

ly,  chemical 

;  economies 

iphere  most 
which  now 


One  hundred  and  seven  years  ago,  upon  a  peculiar  and  lofty  ground  of 
vantage,  overlooking  the  Hudson,  now  the  historic  spot  of  America,  was 
fought  the  decisive  battle  of  our  Revolution.  Our  independence  turned  upon 
this  battle  as  the  pivot. 

Men  like  Horatio  Seymour,  Hamilton  Fish,  George  William  Curtis, 
William  L.  Stone,  Benson  J.  Lossing,  and  John  A.  Corey  organized  the  Sara- 
toga Monument  Association,  under  a  New  York  charter,  to  make  as  memorable 
as  stone  and  bronze  can  make  them,  the  deeds  of  that  battle-field. 

Their  Monument  has  arisen  !  Their  structure  is  completed  !  Over  one 
hundred  and  fifty  feet,  a  classic  shaft  arises,  upon  a  bluff  twice  that  altitude, 
and  overlooking  the  rare  scenery  of  our  majestic  Hudson.  But  it  is  not 
because  of  the  scenery — hill  and  dale,  sparkling  water,  beauteous  woods, 
ethereal  vault  of  blue,  and  misty  mountains  of  enchantment — that  this  locality 
allures  and  holds  the  vagrant  vision. 

This  Monument  is  the  cynosure  of  patriotism. 

New  York  has  given  its  $25,000 ;  the  United  States  has  added  its  thirty 
thousand  ;  the  good  people  interested  in  this  locality  have  added  their 
ten  thousand  ;  and  this  organization,  of  which  I  have  the  honor  to  be  a 
Trustee,  now  asks  of  you  enough  for  the  completion  of  its  sculptural  and 
other  adornments.  It  asks  for  this  object  forty  thousand.  This  sum  and 
object  the  Senate  has  appro"ed.     Is  this  House  less  generous  and  patriotic  ? 

We  come  with  our  designs  consummated.  We  come  with  niches  pre- 
pared for  the  statues  of  the  great  generals  of  that  day  and  of  that  conflict. 
We  come  with  tablets  in  bronze,  almost  ready  for  their  places.  We  come  to 
ask  you  to  engrave,  by  word  and  allegory,  legends  of  beauty  and  inspiration 
that  will  perpetuate  the  fame  of  the  Schuylers,  the  Gateses,  the  Morgans,  and 
I  was  about  to  say  the  Benedict  Arnolds,  who  fought  in  that  grand  and 
decisive  struggle. 

There  was  an  almost  bitter  rivalry  between  the  generals  of  that  Arm- . 
Bancroft  detracts  from  the  encomium  due  our  officers.  He  praises  the  battle 
as  that  of  "  the  husbandmen."  He  is  not  backward  in  giving  to  the  negro  .. 
good  share  of  the  credit ;  but  no  history  is  just  which  fails  to  lift  above 
mere  local  fame  the  names  of  such  of  the  New  England  and  Continental 
heroes  as  Cilley,  Scammel,  Livingston,  Cook,  Colburn  and  Dearborn.  They 
form  a  part  of  that  galaxy  in  whose  honor  the  Saratoga  shaft  points  starward. 

How  much,  Mr.  Speaker,  depended  upon  the  embattled  courage  and 
skill  of  that  perilous  hour !  How  wide  and  far-reaching  are  the  results  ! 
How  much  of  general  inteiest  hangs  upon  the  events  of  that  17th  of 
October,  1777,  when  Burgoyne  surrendered  upon  these  Saratoga  plains 
and  hills  !  The  capital  chapter,  sir,  of  that  revolution,  illumined  with 
the   prudence   and  valor   of   Washington,  Greene,    Knox,   Wayne,    La  Fay- 


f 


ij 


¥ 


\ 


90 


HISTORY   OF  THE  SARATOGA  MONUMENT  ASSOCIATION. 


ette,  Kosciusko,  Steuben,  Pulaski — men  of  every  climate  and  race — here 
received  a  fitting  and  glorious  finale.  That  army  which  left  the  shores  of 
England  with  so  much  prestige  and  pride,  proclaiming  with  supercilious 
vaunting  its  unjust  and  tyrannic  insolence  of  control,  heralding  its  audacious 
approach  and  its  successful  manoeuvers  and  movements  by  the  whoops  of  the 
"  hell-hounds  of  savage  warfare,"  marking  its  march,  flanked  by  Tory  and 
Indian  allies,  in  the  consternation  and  desperation  of  the  people  of  the  colony 
and  city  of  New  York,  was  here  discomfited,  first  upon  the  7th  of  October, 
and  ten  day  5  afterward  by  its  humiliating  capitulation  ! 

The  centuries  come  and  go,  but  such  deeds  live  forever.  They  live 
because  they  are  mementos  of  noble  thought.  Such  thoughts  are  only  not 
divine.  The  seminal  and  grand  idea  of  Saratoga  is  .Independence.  These 
men  fought  not  for  liberty.  They  never  lost  their  liberties.  They  fought 
because  their  liberties,  their  £ngl<sh  and  colonial  privileges,  their  God-given 
rights  and  their  natural  and  just  demands  against  a  foreign  foe  and  a  despic- 
able tyrant  were  disregarded  and  outraged. 

Saratoga  was  the  wand  that  "  smote  the  rock  of  the  national  resources." 
It  was  the  magic  that  revived  the  "  dead  corpse  of  public  credit." 

When  the  smoke  of  this  struggle  floated  away  from  the  Bemus  Heights 
and  hills  around  Schuylerville,  the  cloud  of  financial  distress  and  of  military 
gloom  which  shrouded  the  united  colonies  and  their  Congress  and  armies, 
parted.  Through  its  rift  appeared  that  blessed  goddess  which  always  appears, 
at  least,  in  Homeric  imagination,  to  give  grace  and  glory  to  the  struggles  of 
heroic  men. 

This  battle  had  more  than  usual  significance.  It  led  to  the  French  alli- 
ance. It  m-xde  possible,  a  hundred  years  afterward,  through  French  art  and 
genius,  thai  lofty  effigy  for  New  York  Harbor,  of  Liberty  lifting  up  her  torch, 
beckoning  and  illuminating  all  mankind  by  its  radiancy. 

The  State  of  New  York,  which  asks  for  this  contribution  from  the  Fed- 
eral Treasury,  has  not  been  laggard  in  its  own  efforts  to  perpetuate  Revolu- 
tionary memories.  The  final  departure  of  the  British  troops  from  America, 
and  the  erection  of  a  statue  of  Washington  upon  the  spot  where  he  took  the 
oath  of  office  as  President,  as  well  as  another  event  already  made  memorable 
by  a  tablet  at  the  Battery,  where  Washington  bade  farewell  to  his  officers  to 
surrender  his  commission  and  retire  to  his  home,  have  been  celebrated  by 
the-munificence  and  thoughtfulness  of  New  York  citizens. 

But  the  event  at  Saratoga  dominates  all.  It  is  full-orbed  in  splendor  ! 
It  marks  something  that  belongs  not  merely  to  the  century  gone  by,  or  to 
England  and  America,  but  to  all  ages  and  to  mankind.  The  surrender  at 
Saratoga  was  not  merely  the  surrender  of  Burgoyne  and  his  army  ;  it  was 
the  surrender  of  a  distant  and  haughty  prince  and  an  obsequious  and  corrupt 


m 


HISTORY   OF  THE   8ABAT0OA   MONUMENT  ASSOCIATION. 


9» 


esources. 


parliament  to  thirteen  weak  and  remote  colonies.  It  was  the  most  conspicu- 
ous step  in  that  grand  march  of  events,  so  extraordinary  and  unexpected, 
that  the  English  historian  of  our  Revolution,  Stedman,  says  that  they  "  bade 
defiance  to  all  human  foresight,"  and  which  found  their  consummation  at 
Yorktown.  It  was  the  flower  of  that  fruit  which  gave  us  our  matchless  Con- 
stitution. It  was  a  surrender,  in  advance,  of  this  hemisphere  to  Democratic- 
Republican  autonomy,  in  which  public  and  personal,  local  and  national 
liberties  are  guarded  with  vestal  vigilance  under  written  charters,  and  where 
in  the  course  of  one  century  after  the  auspicious  event,  nearly  sixty  millions 
of  enfranchised  people  are  encircled  by  a  zone  of  felicities  unexampled  in 
the  annals  of  mankind,  and  who,  rising  up,  call  the  men  of  that  day  that  tried 
sinew  and  soul,  blessed  beyond  most  martial  and  civic  heroes  who  have 
glorified  our  planet ! 

Mr.  Stone  continued  :  At  a  meeting  of  the  Committee  February  lo,  1885, 
it  was  Resolved,  That  Mr.  Markham,  the  architect,  shall  obtain  competitive 
estimates  for  the  tablets  and  such  granite  frames  or  settings  as  are  indis- 
pensable, for  two  stories;  and  plans  and  estimates  for  a  wrought  iron  staircase 
all  the  way  up.  He  shall  also  address  the  artist  members  of  the  Century  and 
Union  League  Clubs,  without  promise  of  reward  or  emolument,  asking  them 
for  plans  and  designs  of  the  three  statues  of  Schuyler,  Gates  and  Morgan, 
and  submit  results. 

Also  the  following  from  General  de  Peyster  :  Resolved,  That  in  consider- 
ation of  Congress  and  of  the  State  towards  the  Monument  Association,  all 
moneys  obtained  from  either  of  these  sources  shall  be  devoted  exclusively  to 
the  finishing  of  the  Monument  proper  and  the  statuary,  as  a  st.-ucture  both 
within  and  without ;  and  that  no  moneys  whatever  shall  be  divert-id  from  that 
purpose  until  the  Architect  shall  declare  the  Monument  completed  according 
to  the  design. 

Soon  after  this  meeting  the  Secretary  went  to  Albany  to  speak  before 
the  Committee  on  Ways  and  Means,  but  the  hearing  was  deferred.  He,  how- 
ever, went  to  Utica  and  held  a  conference  with  Gov.  Seymour,  and  also  with 
the  Executive  Committee  of  the  Oriskany  Monument,  John  F.  Seymour, 
Judge  Bacon  and  S.  N.  D.  North. 

On  the  24th  of  March,  Mr.  Starin  and  Mr.  Curtis  visited  Albany  for  the 
purpose  of  addressing  the  Committee  on  Ways  and  Means  in  the  Legislature 
on  behalf  of  the  Association  ;  bus  owing  to  an  unfortunate  misunderstanding, 
the  Committee  were  not  called  together. 

At  a  later  meeting  of  the  Committee  on  Design,  Mr.  Markham,  the 
Architect,  was  called  upon  to  open  the  bids  for  the  statues,  and  after  discus- 
sion it  was  voted  that  W.  R.  O'Donovan,  Moffat  and  Doyle,  and  George  G. 
Bissell  be  selected  as  such  artists. 


i^^nvwiM 


.      s 

1 


i 


• 


92 


III8TOBY    (W  THE   8AKATOGA    MONUMENT   ASSOOtATION. 


On  motion  of  Mr.  Sackett  it  was  Resolved,  That  a  slated  sum  should  be 
paid  for  each  statue,  that  each  one  should  be  not  more  than  seven  feet  high, 
and  that  they  should  all  be  substantially  military  in  style. 

The  auth  .>»  ity  given  to  the  Committee  on  Design  by  the  Trustees  enabled 
them  to  appoint  a  sub-committee  on  Finance.  These  were  Messrs.  Starin, 
Curtis,  Sullivan,  Sackett  and  Wemple.  This  "  Financial  Committee  "  had 
full  power  to  make  all  contracts  and  expenditures  in  finishing  the  Monument 
under  the  Congressional  appropriation,  and  they  were  also  empowered  to 
employ  artists  and  workingmen  to  carry  out  the  plans  of  Mr.  Markham. 

It  was  Resolved,  "  That  Messrs  O'Donovan,  Doyle  and  Bissell  be  re- 
quested to  submit  designs  for  the  statues  of  Schuyler,  Gates  and  Morgan, 
and  the  Finance  Committee  be  instructed  to  select  one,  two,  or  all  three  of 
such  statues  from  any  one  artist,  as  may  seem  most  desirable  and  appro- 
priate." 

At  th'-  nt^t  meeting  of  the  Committee,  Mr.  Curtis  moved  that  the  resolu- 
tion in  the  minutes  be  struck  out  which  stated  that  "  O'Donovan,  Doyle  and 
Bissell  had  been  selected,"  and  as  a  substitute  to  put  in  the  folloving  which 
he  said  expressed  the  intention  of  the  motion  : 

"  That  in  the  modification  of  the  previous  resolution,  Messrs.  O'Donovan, 
Doyle  and  Bissell  be  requested  to  submit  designs  or  models  for  the  proposed 
statues,  and  that  the  Financial  Committee  be  instructed  to  select  one,  two,  or 
three  of  such  statues  from  any  one  artist  as  the  Committee  deem  best,  pro- 
vided that  the  Committee  shall  not  be  bound  to  accept,  or  make  a  contract 
for  any  such  statue,  unless  the  design  or  model  be  satisfactory  to  them  ;  and 
that  provision  be  made  in  any  contract  to  secure  thorough  and  artistic  work." 

Much  discussion  followed  the  reading  of  this  resolution. 

Mr.  Curtis  urged  the  necessity  of  employing  those  artists  only,  of  the 
same  recognized  rank.  "  For,"  said  he,  "  if  it  becomes  generally  known  that 
this  Committee  employ  unknown  men,  and  the  results  should  be  unsatisfactory, 
it  will  be  held  up  to  the  ridicule  of  posterity."  The  amended  resolution  was 
then  passed.  Mr.  Bissell  was  in  Europe,  but  Mr.  O'Donovan  and  Mr.  Doyle 
were  separately  and  successively  called  in  before  the  Committee  and  the  last 
resolution  was  read  to  them,  and  they  each  agreed  to  its  terms.  Mr.  Bissell 
also  acquiesced  in  this  decision. 

Mr.  Stone,  in  his  report  of  this  Committee,  continues  : 

The  sub-committee  met  November  19th,  at  the  office  of  President  J.  H. 
Starin,  where  models  of  the  three  statues  were  exhibited  and  their  merits  dis- 
cussed, but  without  a  decision  being  reached.  A  week  later  another  meeting 
was  held,  and  there  were  present  J.  H.  Starin,  Geo.  Wm.  Curtis,  J.  W.  de  Pey- 
ster,  Wm.  L.  Stone  and  J.  C.  Markham,  the  Architect.  After  a  thorough 
examination  of  the  different  models  for  three  statues  and  an  animated  dis- 


HISTORY   OF  THE   BARATCXM    MONUMKNT   1880CIATION. 


93 


cussion  in  regard  to  tJxem,  Resolved,  "That  this  committee  conditionally 
approve  of  the  statues  of  Schuyler,  Gates  and  Morgan,  and  if  these  gentlemen 
acquiesce  in  the  suggestions  of  the  Committee,  and  the  changes  thus  made  are 
satisfactory  to  the  Chairman,  Mr.  Starin,  then  he  is  empowered  to  contract 
with  the  said  gentlemen  for  the  execution  of  the  statues,  subject  to  the 
approval  of  the  Committee." 

The  artists  agreed  to  make  the  desired  changes,  and  the  contracts  with 
them  were  closed. 

The  report  of  the  Committee  on  Design  was  approved. 

Mrs.  E.  H.  Walworth,  Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  the  Custody  of  the 
Monument,  submitted  the  following  report : 

"  That  in  compliance  with  the  principal  duty  assigned  to  the  Committee, 
immediately  after  the  last  meeting,  they  appointed  as  custodian  of  the  Monu- 
ment Mr.  V.  W.  Ostrander,  who  has  been  recommended  by  the  Secretary  and 
other  Trustees  ;  he  still  fills  the  place.  He  lives  just  across  the  road  from  the 
Monument  where  some  member  of  his  family  can  see  every  person  who 
approaches  it ;  he  owns  property  there,  and  feels  an  interest  and  pride  in 
the  Monument.  Your  committee  have  not  found  it  feasible  to  carry  out  a 
resolution  passed  by  this  Association  which  fixed  the  price  of  admission,  but 
have  found  it  necessary  to  reduce  the  amount.  A  large  proportion  of  the 
visitors  yet  are  farmers  and  others  from  the  vicinit)  The  fact  that  there  is  a 
Monument  of  such  size  and  importance  seems  to  e  very  little  known  by 
the  visitors  at  Saratoga  Springs.  Mr.  Ostrander  was  instructed  to  keep  an 
account  of  all  receipts  and  expenditures,  and  a  copy  of  his  account  accom- 
panies this  report.  The  Committee  have  placed  a  register  in  the  Monument 
for  each  visitor  to  inscribe  his  name  and  address. 

"  The  grounds  around  the  Monument  should  be  graded  and  planted  with 
grass  ;  plain  benches  should  be  placed  in  the  top  story  ;  and  a  large  register, 
bound  especially  for  the  purpose,  should  be  provided,  with  a  suitable  stand 
to  hold  it. 

"  Thus  far,  the  Committee  have  not  felt  justified  in  spending  any  money 
from  the  receipts  except  for  the  repair  of  windows  and  for  lamps  and  oil,  and 
the  very  small  amount  a"nwed  Mr.  Ostrander." 

Many  letters  were  read  from  Trustees  expressing  regret  for  their  inability 
to  be  present,  and  manifesting  an  earnest  interest  in  the  additional  work  on 
the  Monument  which  was  now  fully  initiated. 

The  events  of  the  next  three  years  may  be  traced  through  brief  extracts 
from  the  reports  of  committees,  and  resolutions  passed  by  the  Association. 

In  1885  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Designs  reported  that  "the 
Financial  Committee,  or  more  properly  its  Chairman,  Mr.  Starin,  ably  seconded 
by  the  Architect,  has  been  most  unwearied,  nay,  most  indefatigable  in  his 


'         i 


94 


HTBTORT  OF  THB   8AIUT0OA  MONTTMENT  ABSOOIATIOK. 


ki 


exertions  to  complete  the  contracts,  so  as  to  be  able  to  report  definite  prog- 
ress at  this  meeting.  Indeed,  the  time  thus  spent  and  the  labor  undergone  in 
accomplishing  this  result  cannot  be  realized  by  any  one  who  is  not  personally 
cognizant  of  the  details  to  be  looked  into  and  carefully  weighed  before  a 
decision  can  be  reached.  Thus,  Mr.  Starin,  neglecting  nothing  that  could  aid 
in  making  the  funds  on  hand  go  as  far  as  possible,  now  presents,  through  the 
Architect,  the  following  report: 

*'  Contracts  have  been  awarded  to  Booth  Bros,  for  setting  of  historic 
tablets  on  interior  walls,  and  lettering  the  same,  and  for  door  casings  of  two 
stories  ;  to  Alfred  Boat,  for  the  floors  in  five  stories  ;  to  Wemple  &  Sons,  for 
iron  stairway;  to  Maurice  J.  Power,  for  back  to  niches;  to  W.  R.  O'Donovan, 
statue  of  Morgan  ;  to  Moffat  and  Doyle,  statue  of  Schuyler  ;  to  Geo.  E. 
Bissell,  statue  of  Gates  ;  to  J.  E.  Kelly,  eight  historic  tablets  ;  to  J.  S. 
Hartley,  eight  historic  tablets." 

The  Secretary  continues:  "I  would  remind  the  Trustees  that  this  Monu- 
ment upon  which  we  have  b>.f  n  so  long  engaged  is  one  of  the  most  important 
works  of  historic  art  ever  produced  in  this  Republic,  for  not  only  does  it  por- 
tray in  enduring  granite  and  bronze  the  true  character  of  the  events  it  seeks 
to  commemorate,  but  it  most  happily  illustrates  the  philosophy  of  history. 

"  The  design  and  development  In  all  the  details  of  this  extraordinary 
work  is  the  result  of  the  inspiration,  devotion  and  perseverance  of  our  Archi- 
tect, Mr.  J.  C.  Markham,  who,  more  than  thirteen  years  ago,  was  induced  by 
me,  with  no  available  funds  at  my  command,  to  undertake  it,  and  who,  at  a 
great  outlay  of  time  and  labor,  has  not  only  produced  this  great  art  work, 
but  has  also  rendered  efficient  aid  in  procuring  the  means  with  which  to  carry 
out  the  same,  and  at  a  cost  so  smnll,  as  to  actually  detract  from  the  popular 
appreciation  of  its  value,  thus  illustrating  the  old  Horatian  maxim,  Omne 
ignotum  pro  magnifico  I 

"This  being  the  case  I  am  sure  that  nothing  more  than  this  reminder  will 
be  required  to  cause  you  to  see  that  he  has  the  financial  aid  necessary  to 
carry  out  his  part  of  the  work. 

"The  tablets  designed  by  him,  sixteen  in  number,  depict  the  following 
scenes  : 

1.  Women  of  the  Revolution. 

2.  Ladies  of  the  British  Court. 
.  3.     T*?e  Town  Meeting. 

4.  The  Rally. 

5.  George  III.  in  Council. 

6.  Burgoyne  addressing  the  Indians. 

7.  The  Wives  of  British  officers,  in  their  caloches,  traveling  through 
the  wilderness. 


•J^ 


K«««*!«i«pin 


HISTORY  OF  THK   8ARATOOA   MONUMENT   ASSOCIATION. 


9$ 


inite  prog- 
dergone  in 
personally 
i  before  a 
t  could  aid 
fi  rough  the 

3f  historic 
igs  of  two 
i  Sons,  for 
'Donovan, 
:o  Geo.  E. 
;  to  J.  S. 

fiis  Monu- 
important 
oes  it  por- 
ts it  seeks 
history, 
aordinary 
)ur  Archi- 
duced  by 
who,  at  a 
art  work, 
h  to  carry 
i  popular 
:im,  Omne 

inder  will 
;essary  to 

following 


through 


8,  Schuyler  felling  trees  to  obstruct  the  evening's  march. 

9.  Mrs.  General  Schuyler  firing  her  wheat  fields. 

10.  The  murder  of  Jane  McCrea. 

11.  Burgoyne  reprimanding  his  Indian  allies  for  their  barbat'ities. 

12.  Schuyler  transferring  his  command  to  Gates. 

13.  The  passage  in  a  boat  of  Lady  Acland  to  the  American  camp, 

14.  The  wounding  of  Arnold  at  Breyman's  redoubt. 

15.  The  burial  of  General  Frazer. 

16.  Burgoyne  surrendering  his  sword  to  Gates." 

Mr.  Potter,  Chairman  of  the  Executive  Committee,  reported  that  the 
additional  contract  for  the  four  and  a  half  feet  which  had  been  added  to  the 
height  of  the  Monument,  in  the  process  of  building,  had  been  approved,  and 
it  was  recommended  that  the  contractors  receive  payment  therefor.  Mrs. 
Walworth,  Chairman  of  the  Committee  in  charge  of  the  Monument,  submitted 
a  financial  statement  of  receipts  and  expenditures,  and  continued  :  "Your  Com- 
mittee have  visited  the  monument  from  time  to  time,  and  find  it  well  cared 
for.  We  would  call  the  attention  of  the  Association  to  the  condition  of  the 
grounds  around  the  Monument.  We  recommend  that  funds  be  raised  to 
grade  these  grounds  and  put  them  in  good  order,  and  that  a  group  of  trees 
be  planted  in  them." 

The  report  was  adopted,  and  afterward  Mr.  Starin  said  that  he  would  like 
to  do  something  toward  beautifying  the  grounds  about  the  Monument,  and 
with  the  approval  of  the  Association  he  would  have  a  landscape  gardener  look 
the  ground  over,  and  he  would  give  three  hundred  dollars  toward  the  expense 
of  grading  and  fitting  up  the  Monument  grounds. 

A  Committee,  Messrs.  Hardy,  Wemple,  Stone  and  Ritchie,  were  appointed 
to  draft  resolutions  of  regret  on  the  death  of  ex-Governor  Seymour.  They 
reported  as  follows  : 

Resolved,  That  in  the  death  of  ex-Governor  Horatio  Seymour,  for  many 
years  the  honorable  President  of  the  Saratoga  Monument  Association  (which 
has  occurred  since  our  last  Annual  Meeting),  this  Association  feels  that  it  has 
suffered  a  profound  and  irreparable  loss,  inasmuch  as  the  successful  prosecu- 
tion of  the  great  task  devolving  upon  it,  has  from  the  first  been  so  faithfully 
and  ably  promoted  by  him  both  by  his  purse  and  his  pen. 

Resolved,  That  as  the  erection  of  the  Saratoga  Monument  was  made  possi- 
ble by  the  writings  of  Governor  Seymour,  by  which  public  opinion  was 
educated  to  a  proper  appreciation  of  its  necessity  as  a  great  educating  power, 
so  the  final  completion  of  this  noble  and  beautiful  work  of  art  will  forever 
illustrate  that  pregnant  sentiment  enumerated  by  him  at  the  laying  of  the 
corner  stone,  viz.  :  "  That  monuments  not  only  mark  but  make  the  civilization 
of  a  people." 


ii 


90  HIBTORY  OF   THE   HARAT<XU   MOWrMKNT    ARBOOIATTON. 

Rfsolved,  That  these  resolutions  be  engrossed  and  sent  to  the  family  of 
the  deceased. 

4n  April  of  1886  Senator  Warner  Miller  introduced  a  petition  in  the 
United  States  Senate,  from  the  Saratoga  Monument  Association,  in  regard  to 
the  appropriation  of  funds  for  a  suitable  dedication,  and  soon  afterward  the 
following  letter  was  received  from  the  Senator: 


W 


Mr.  W.  L.  Stone. 

Dk.ar  Sir —  ♦  •  •  I  have  not  thought  it  wise  to  urge  an  appropriation 
for  the  celebration  t'  is  year,  as  they  are  urging  one  in  connection  with  the 
Bactholdi  Statue,  and  it  would  not  be  best  to  secure  it  for  Saratoga.  Next 
winter,  I  shall  take  it  up  early  in  the  session,  and  shall  expect  you  and  some 
of  the  Trustees  to  come  to  Washington  in  order  to  make  a  strong  showing. 

Please  express  my  regret  to  the  Members  at  Saratoga,  and  express  my 
iicarty  co-operation  in  getting  an  appropriation  next  winter. 

Yours  truly,  Warnkr  Miller. 

During  the  session  of  the  New  York  Legislature  of  th'  inter,  1885-86, 
a  bill  appropriating  f  10,000  for  the  Monument  was  passed,  tH  the  inde- 

fatigable exertions  of  Edward  Wemple,  Geo.  S.  Batcheucr  and  Jas.  W. 
Husted,  but  it  was  vetoed  by  Governor  Hill. 

At  the  annual  meeting  of  1886,  Mrs.  Walworth,  of  the  Tablet  Committee, 
reported  that  two  other  tablets  had  been  presented,  and  called  attention  to 
tour  points  of  especial  importance  that  were  still  unmarked,  these  were  : 

1.  Breyman's  Hill. 

2.  General  Gates'  Headquarters. 

3.  Great  redoubt  where  Frazer  was  buried. 

.<,     Course  of  Morgan's  attack  on  the  right  flank  of  the  British. 

She  said  the  tablets  on  the  battle-ground  at  Bemus'  Heights  are  appre- 
ciated by  the  people  in  the  vicinity  of  the  battle-ground,  who  feel  an  interest 
in  their  preservation;  that  these  tablets  have  given  interest  and  emphasis  to 
the  memories  connected  with  this  field,  is  indicated  by  the  enthusiasm  of 
visitors  who  have  been  on  the  field  since  they  were  erected. 

Your  Committee  feel  especially  encouraged  to  continue  their  work,  since 
the  plan  adopted  by  them  has  met  with  such  favor  that  many  historical 
places  in  other  parts  of  the  country  are  now  indicated  by  similar  tablets. 

Mrs.  Walworth,  in  her  report  as  Chairman  of  the  Committee  in  charge  of 
Monument,  called  attention  to  the  heavy  glass  and  the  oak  doors  recently 
removed  from  the  Monument  ;  which  she  said  should  be  sold  as  there  was  no 
suitable  place  to  store  them,  and  also  presented  the  financial  report  of  receipts 
and  expenditures  at  the  Monument  for  the  year. 


tion  in  the 
n  regard  to 
terward  the 


I  ' 


KLI.K\    HAK|)IK    WAI.VVOKTU, 

(  H.UKMAN    ii(^    Tllf,   (T.MMri  ri.K    o\    TAItl.l'VrS, 
SAKAIlHiA    MOM   '.11. A  I      \-sO(   I  VlioV 


wimm 


96 


th, 


'lie   'piiroj), 


'I.  ^  •(! 


HI»*T'>HV    "1'     IHK    8ARA'r(l<4\    MONCMKNT    ASSOCIATION. 

iliHi   these  resolutions  bo  engross<?d  and  sent  to  the  family  of 

'■'      -  >6   Senator   Warner   Miller  muoduced   a    petition    in    the 
-^  I  ;  u'.  fronni  the  Saratoga  Monumi.'iit  Association,  in  regard  to 
iii'.ii  i>t'  funds  for  a  suitable  dcili' a;  u>n,  and  soon  afterward  the 
witij^-  ItMi  1  vvus  received  from  the  Senatur  . 


i    ! 


fi.  itho; 

V;lll,e:  , 


))i  AK   S'-iJ        *     *     *     I  liave  not  ihinnjhi 
iht'  CI  ;  "bration  this  year,  as  they  ar.-   lUiii 


All   :.i<  mtfean  appropriation 
iiif   in   connection   with   the 
•-'viire  it  for  Saratoga.     Next 


:  Matue,  and  it  would  not  be  besl 

sluill  lak  '  !t  up  early  in  the  session,  and  shall  e.xpect  you   and  some 

•,1        f^tees  li>  come  i<>  W'ashinj.'. '!■  ■  ■<■  "■.;'■■    <  ■  r,i  ike  a  strong  showing. 
i',!-c  express  my  rei^ret  to  the   .V!.::    -cr:-.   a;    S.iratoga,  and  express  my 
h  .  ii  ,  (   i-opmalion  in  getting  an  appropiiation  next  winter. 


Yours  truly. 


Warnkr  Mulkk. 


f  i 


faf-ji. 


■t 


inuring  the  session  ol   i.he  New  Vr),-k  i^egislature  of  this  winter,  1885-86, 
a  biU  appropriating  $10,000  for  the  Monument  was  passed,  through  the  inde- 
)le  exertions   of   Edward    Wemplt,    Geo.    S.   Batcheller   and    Jas.    W. 
!,  hut  it  was  vetoed  by  Governor  Hill. 
tiie  annual  meeting  of  1886,  Mrs.  Walworth,  of  the  Tablet  Committee, 
:■■.:'   fAu    itlier  tablets  had  been  presented,  and  called  attention  to 
'    1      f  <'-.]M(;ial  importance  that  were  still  unmarked,  these  were  : 
:'''  V  ,n,,n's  IJill, 
fitiKTul  tiates'  Headouarters. 
(■■•       r  •diiiil't  where  Frazer  was  buried. 
'        '        >i    >) organ's  attack  on  the  right  ilank  of  the  British. 

■■i  ■'■■'     tablets  on  the  battle-ground  at  Bemus'  Heights  are  appre- 

pl  •  in  the  vicinity  of  tiie  ii.ittlf  ground,  who  feel  an  interest 

■    '" ,  t!iat  these  tablets  havi    gi.  >  o   interest  and  emphasis  to 

,  I.  if>)   with  this   field,  is    md:  ated   by    the  enthusiasm   of 

''  i<  V  n  on  the  field  since  they  were  erected. 

■i  f-specially  encour.iged  toccmtimie  their  work,  since 

,    i  y   iiiem   has    met   witii    such   favor  that    many    historical 

,  IS  oi   the  country  are  now  indicated  by  similar  tablets. 

•rib.,  m  her  r<.'port  as  Chairman  of  the  Committee  in  charge  of 

i"<  :itt<:nti(.>n   to  the  heavy  glass   an<l   *^"^'   oak  doors  recently 

i<    Moi,ijmMit  :  which  shesaid  should  be  sold  as  there  was  no 

i  .  ■    ■,  I   III!  iu,  ami  also  presented  the  financial  report  of  receipts 

•!.    M..!ui:n    o;   h.r  the  year. 


MoiP.'i 
rem  I A  > 
suitable 
and  exji 


PJRJiU 


■HHHPi^lP 


he  family  of 

ition  in  the 
in  regard  to 
fterward  the 


ppropiiation 
on  with  the 
itoga.  Next 
u  and  some 
<;  showing, 
express  my 

.R    Mil  LKR. 

liter,  1885-86, 
gh  the  inde- 
and    Jab.   W. 

t  Committee, 
attention  to 
e  were  : 


ish. 

ts  are  appre- 
1  an  interest 
emphasis  to 

ithnsiasm   of 

-  vvurk,  since 
iiy  historical 
r  tablets. 

in  charge  of 
lors  recently 
there  was  no 

rt  of  receipts 


ELLEN    HARDIN   WALWORTH, 

CHAIRMAN  OF  THK  COMMITTRK   ON   TAIU.KTS. 

SARATOCA   MONUMENT  ASSOCIATIUN. 


MUM* 


HISTORT   OF   THE   SARATOGA   MONUMENT   ASSOCIATION. 


97 


At  the  annual  meeting  of  1887  the  Architect  submitted  the  following 
report : 

"At  the  annual  meeting  of  1883, 1  had  the  honor  to  submit  to  this  Associ- 
ation a  statement  of  the  works  then  remaining  to  be  done  to  complete  the 
Saratoga  Monument,  together  with  an  estimate  of  the  funds  required  for  its 
execution,  amounting  to  the  sum  of  $100,000,  which  report  was  adopted  and 
referred  by  the  Association  to  the  Committee  on  design  with  authority  to 
raise  the  money  and  to  carry  out  the  work. 

"  In  the  execution  of  this  trust  the  Committee  in  making  application  to 
Congress  exhibited  to  the  Joint  Committee  of  the  Senate  and  House  of 
Representatives  the  designs  and  drawings  furnished  by  the  architect  for  the 
works,  and  said  tha^  $75,000  additional  would  be  required  for  its  execution, 
and  modestly  asked  Congress  to  appropriate  $40,000,  it  being  hoped  that 
the  State  of  New  York  and  private  donations  would  make  up  the  rest. 

"  The  bill  appropriating  the  amount  asked  for  was  immediately  reported 
favorably,  and  afterwards  was  called  up  out  of  its  regular  order  and  passed 
unanimously ;  and  just  here  I  desire  to  record  the  fact,  that  all  applications 
hitherto  made  in  behalf  of  the  Saratoga  Monument,  whether  to  the  National 
Congress  or  to  the  State  Legislature,  have  been  responded  to  with  patriotic 
enthusiasm,  every  honest  and  intelligent  citizen  concurring  in  the  idea  so 
happily  expressed  by  the  late  President  of  your  Association,  Hon.  Horatio 
Seymour,  that  the  national  monuments  '  not  only  mark  but  make  the  civili- 
zation of  a  people."  Yet  the  first  appropriation  of  $50,000,  secured  mainly 
through  the  intelligent  and  purely  patriotic  efforts  of  the  Hon.  Geo.  S. 
Batcheller,  was  so  loaded  \'  th  conditions  by  his  political  rivals  as  to  defeat 
its  use.  So  also  when  this  committee  of  yours  met  at  Albany,  for  the  nurpose 
of  making  the  application  for  the  amount  referred  to  in  the  foregoing  report, 
they  were  prevented  by  some  unknown  influence  from  obtaining  even  a 
hearing  by  a  legislative  committee,  thereby  defeating  the  generally  expressed 
will  of  the  legislature  and  necessitating  a  suspension  of  the  work. 

"  Nevertheless,  upon  the  passage  of  the  congressional  appropriation  bill 
the  committee  decided  to  go  on  and  if  possible  finish  the  first  two  stories  of 
the  Monument  with  the  $40,000.  And  in  conformity  with  this  decision  certain 
modifications  were  made  in  some  of  ihe  minor  details  of  the  work  and  the  con- 
tracts were  entered  into.  The  three  bronze  statues  of  Generals  Schuyler,  Gates 
and  Morgan  are  in  place  and  compare  favorably  with  other  works,  the  Gates, 
of  Bissell,  being  pronounced  by  competent  judges  one  of  the  best  of  American 
statues. 

"The  sixteen  historic  sculptures  of  the  two  first  stories  are  all  in  place  and 
are  said  to  be  not  second  to  any  in  historic  truth  and  interest,  and  as  low 
reliefs  they  mark  a  decided  advance  in  this  department  of  art.     For  the  stairs 


rj, 


98 


HISTORY  OF  THE   SARATOGA  MONTTMENT  ASSOCIATION. 


the  committee  decided  to  adopt  iron  instead  of  bronze,  thereby  saving  some 
$12,000  and  still  giving  stairs  unexcelled  for  strength,  lightness  and  beauty  at 
a  cost  of  $2,700.  The  granite  and  terra  cotta  were  much  simplified  in  design 
and  are  in  the  two  stories  in  a  satisfactory  manner  at  a  cost  of  $2,699  for 
granite  and  $430  for  terra  cotta.  The  bronze  doors  and  windows  of  the  design 
were  changed  to  brass  and  those  of  the  two  first  stories  were  contracted  with 
a  firm  entitled  '  The  American  Art  Metal  Works,'  but  their  work  being  unsat- 
isfactory to  the  committee  and  not  fulfilling  the  contract,  $750  is  withheld 
from  them  and  a  contract  has  been  made  with  Mr.  C.  S.  Closson  to  complete 
that  work  for  the  sum  of  $250  and  $50  for  fitting  second  story  windows, 
included  in  their  work. 

"  From  the  foregoing  statements  it  appears  that  the  three  statues  and  the 
historic  sculpture  and  finishing  of  the  two  first  stories  of  the  Monument 
originally  estimated  to  cost  about  $55,000,  have  been  done  for  less  than  $30,- 
000;  and  that  if  the  State  had  made  the  appropriation  of  $25,000,  as  expected, 
the  Saratoga  Monument  would  have  been  to-day  completed,  and  at  a  cost  of 
at  least  $20,000  less  than  the  original  estimate,  a  fact  which  will  doubtless 
inspire  such  a  continuation  of  public  confidence  in  the  Monument  as  to  insure 
all  requisite  aid  in  the  final  completion  of  this  important  national  work,  of 
which  there  still  remains  to  be  done  the  bronze  top  or  roof,  the  granite  base 
and  bronze  or  brass  window  frames  and  tile  floors  and  the  twenty  tablets  i.f 
historic  sculpture  of  the  three  upper  stories,  the  ceilings  of  all  live  stories  and 
the  four  guns  with  their  bronze  carriages  for  the  platform. 

"  All  these  things  are  still  remaining  unprovided  for,  yet  are  not  absolutely 
essential  to  a  grand  public  dedication  of  the  work.  On  the  contrary,  such  a 
dedication  if  properly  conducted  would  undoubtedly  facilitate  its  grand  con- 
summation ;  all  of  which,  with  my  most  profound  expression  of  gratitude  to 
the  Saratoga  Monument  Association  for  its  cordial  co-operation  throughout 
the  progress  of  the  work,  is  most  respectfully  submitted. 

"J.  C.  Markham,  Architect." 

Mrs.  E.  H.  Walworth,  from  the  Committee  on  Tablets,  submitted  the 
the  following  report : 

We  would  respectfully  state  that  the  suggestion  made  in  our  report  of 
last  year,  that  at  least  four  new  tablets  should  be  erected  on  the  battle-field 
at  Bemis  Heights,  has  been  carried  out.  Four  tablets  have  been  subscribed 
lor,  are  now  completed,  and  will  all  be  placed  on  the  field  before  the  anniver- 
sary of  the  battle  in  September  and  October.  One  of  them  was  presented  by 
General  J.  Watts  dc  Peyster  ;  it  is  a  beautiful  shaft  of  white  marble  elabor- 
ately and  appropriately  decorated  by  the  skillful  artist  who  designed  the  fine 
statue  of  Gen.  Gates  which  commands  the  portal  of  the  great  monument  at 


HI8T0KT   OF  THK   flARATOGA  MONTTMENT  ABSOCIATION. 


99 


Schuylerville.  It  marks  Breyman's  Hill*  (erroneously  called  Burgoyne's  Hill) 
and  the  spot  where  Arnold  was  wounded,  and  where  he  broke  through 
the  last  barrier  to  success  in  the  great  battle  of  October,  1776.  Another  tablet 
has  been  presented  by  Mrs.  Taylor,  a  granddaughter  of  General  Daniel  Mor- 
gan ;  it  will  be  placed  at  the  foot  of  Morgan's  Hill,  on  the  road  between 
Freeman's  farm  and  Neilson's  house.  A  third  tablet  is  presented  by  Mrs. 
Estelle  Willoughby  ;  it  will  be  placed  where  the  battles  swayed  back  and 
forth  on  the  edge  of  the  great  ravine  ;  it  is  the  spot  where  the  royal  artillery 
was  broken  and  defeated  and  where  Major  Ackland  was  desperately 
wounded.  The  fourth  tablet  is  the  gift  of  General  Martin  D.  Hardin, 
U.  S.  A.,  to  commemorate  the  distinguished  services  of  his  great-grandfather. 
Colonel  John  Hardin,  in  the  battles  of  Saratoga  ;  it  will  probably  be  placed 
on  the  river  road,  as  indicating  the  path  of  the  reconnaissance  led  by  Colonel 
Hardin  before  the  battles  took  place.  It  seems  appropriate  to  explain  why 
points  so  important  as  the  headquarters  of  Gen.  Gates,  and  the  commanding 
spot  where  Gen.  Frazer  was  buried,  should  remain  unmarked.  In  regard  to 
this  last  place,  one  of  our  trustees,  who  is  both  generous  and  active  in  historic 
work,  Mr.  J.  W.  Drexel,  promises  us  a  subscription  for  this  interesting  spot 
from  a  gentleman  in  Scotland.  It  is  peculiarly  appropriate  that  the  memory 
of  the  distinguished  Scotchman,  Gen.  Frazer,  should  be  perpetuated  by  one 
of  his  countrymen.  The  headquarters  of  Gen.  Gates  is  so  prominent  in  inter- 
est and  locality  that  we  could  easily  have  placed  upon  it  a  tablet  like  a 
majority  of  those  already  located,  but  it  has  seemed  appropriate  to  have 
erected  on  this  spot  a  more  imposing  stone,  similar  to  the  one  given  by  Mr, 
James  M.  Marvin  or  to  the  one  erected  by  Gen.  J.  Watts  de  Peyster. 

In  closing  our  report  we  would  very  earnestly  thank  the  members  of  the 
Association  for  the  encouragement  and  inspiration  we  have  received  from 
their  sympathy  and  their  generosity  in  the  prosecution  of  our  work. 

Ellen  Hardin  Walworth,  Chairman. 

P.  C.  Ford,  as  Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  the  Dedication  of  the 
Monument,  reported  that  owing  to  the  unfinished  condition  of  the  Monument 
they  had  been  unable  to  make  arrangements  for  the  dedication  this  year,  as 
had  been  contemplated.  Whereupon  Col.  Ritchie  moved  to  accept  the  report 
and  extend  the  time  of  the  Committee  with  the  same  instructions  as  those 
given  last  year,  the  dedication  to  be  held  in  September,  1888,  the  particular 
day  to  be  designated  by  Messrs.  Starin  and  Marvin  of  the  Committee. 

The  following  resolution,  introduced  by  the  Hon.  Edward  Wemple,  was 
then  passed : 

Resolved,  That  a  Committee  consisting  of  John  H.  Starin,  Warner  Miller, 
Edward  Wemple,  S.  S.  Cox,  Jas.  M.  Marvin  and  Geo.  Wm.  Curtis,  be  instructed 

•  *}^^t'  ^?'.''"  ?'°,0'  ''i*  ''•'*  y**'!  '891,  discovered  a  new  fact  in  re^rd  to  Colonel  Bi-eyman,  from  the  mano- 
script  of  a  Major  in  Von  Rhetz  »  remment,  viz.:  that  Breyman  was  shot  by  one  of  his  own  men,  after  he,  Brey- 
man,  had  sabred  four  of  his  men.    He  is  described  as  a  man  of  ungovernable  ferocity. 


H  I 


r 


••mm: 


T 


V'.^ 


lOO 


HISTORY    OF   THE    8ARAT0OA    MONTTMRNT   ASSOCrATION. 


to  ask  Congress  for  a  sum  not  less  than  $25,000  to  prepare  for  the  dedication 
of  the  Monument  and  the  expenses  incidental  to  it. 

On  motion  of  Lieut. -Com.  McNair,  seconded  by  Gen.  De  Peyster  and  E. 
T.  Slocum,  the  following  resolution  was  then  passed  : 

Resolved,  That  ihe  Committee  having  in  charge  the  dedication  of  the 
Monument,  be  instructed  to  invite  to  participate  in  the  ceremonies  the  follow- 
ing, viz. : 

The  President  and  Cabinet. 

The  foreign  representatives,  especially  of  France. 

The  Governors  of  the  several  States  of  the  United  States. 

The  Military  Order  of  the  Cincinnati. 

The  Military  Order  of  the  Loyal  Legion  of  the  United  States. 

The  Grand  Aimy  of  the  Republic. 

The  descendants  of  those  who  participated  in  the  campaign  of  Saratoga. 

A  petition  in  reference  to  the  appointment  of  a  Janitor  of  the  Monument 
was  then  referred  to  the  proper  committee  with  full  power  in  the  premises. 

On  motion  of  Mrs.  E.  H.  Walworth,  Hon.  George  S.  Batcheller  was 
elected  a  Trustee  of  the  Association  in  plf.je  of  Mr.  Strover,  deceased. 

In  the  autumn  of  1887  the  Monument  was  struck  by  lightning ;  the 
heavy  cap-stone  was  lifted  from  its  place  and  carried  a  short  distance  from 
the  base  of  the  Monument ;  for  about  seven  feet  below  the  cap-stone  the 
structure  was  shattered,  but  fortunately  the  damage  did  not  reach  lower 
down,  so  the  statues  and  other  ornaments  were  undisturbed.  At  the  annual 
meeting  of  1888,  among  the  letters  read  were  the  following  : 

Dear  Old  Comrades  and  Brother  Members  of  the  Saratoga  Monument  Association : 
I  had  not  heard  until  the  receipt  of  your  note  of  the  ?  ,ident  to  our 
Monument.  I  am  sad  thereat.  If  the  spirit  of  Sir  John  Burgi  /ne  were  per- 
mitted to  revisit  the  scene  of  his  discomfiture  and  capitulation,  I  could 
almost  believe  that  it  operated  through  the  bolt  which  untopped  the 
memorial  of  American  triumph  over  his  arrogant  campaign.  Would  not  a 
patriotic  Congress,  which  has  justly  recognized  its  claim,  with  commendable 
generosity,  acknowledge  as  a  paramount  duty  the  repair  of  a  work  so  emi- 
nently national,  with  an  additional  provision  for  its  future  safety?  Whose 
duty  is  it  more  appropriately  ? 

Very  truly  yours, 

E.  W.  B.  Canning. 


AsHFiELD,  Mass.,  August  9th,  1888. 
Mv  Dear  Mr,  Stone — I  am  very  sorry  that  I  shall  be  unable  to  attend 
the  meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  the  Saratoga  Monument  Association  on  the 


HI8T<»RV    <iK   THK   HAKATOOA    MONl'MPINT    ASSOCIATION. 


lOI 


14th,  and  1  am  glad  to  know  that  no  important  business  will  be  presented,  as 
our  work  is  so  nearly  and  happily  accomplished.  I  say  our  work,  but  I  am 
fully  aware  its  prosperous  progress  is  mainly  due  to  our  untiring  President, 
Mr.  Starin,  and  to  you,  our  devoted  Secretary. 

Perhaps  I  should  add  the  name  of  our  late  associate,  Mr.  A.  S.  Sullivan, 
whose  charming  taste  and  high  intelligence  and  cordial  interest  were  all  of 
great  service,  and  the  loss  of  whose  gracious  and  instructive  companionship 
we  shall  long  deplore. 

I  trust  that  Congress  will  not  refuse  the  aid  that  is  still  essential  for  the 
proper  completion  of  the  work  which  is  pre-eminently  national,  not  only  as  a 
memorial  of  the  great  event  which  practically  determined  our  national  inde- 
pendence, but  as  an  inspiring  monument  of  the  national  spirit  upon  which 
our  progressive  greatness  depends. 

Very  truly  yours, 

George  William  Curtis. 


In  announcing  the  death  of  Mr.  Drexel,  the  Secretary  paid  a  high  tribute 
to  his  patriotism  and  generosity. 

General  J.  Watts  de  Peyster  sent  in  his  resignation  as  Vice-President  and 
Trustee. 

Hon.  Warner  Miller  was  elected  Vice-President  to  fill  the  vacancy. 

Mr.  Stone,  as  Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Design,  submitted  his 
report,  from  which  the  following  extracts  are  given: 

Through  the  efforts  of  Mr.  Starin  and  Mr.  Carroll  a  bill  was  carried 
through  the  United  States  Senate  appropriating  the  sum  of  twenty  thousand 
($20,000)  dollars  for  the  expenses  of  dedicating  the  Monument  and  the  unveil- 
ing of  the  statues  this  coming  fall.  When  the  bill  reached  the  house  Mr. 
Starin,  at  his  own  personal  expense  and  at  a  great  sacrifice  of  his  time,  and 
solely  in  the  interests  of  the  Association,  went  to  Washington  to  advance  its 
passage  through  the  house  ;  and  it  would  have  gone  through  had  proper 
attention  been  paid  to  it  on  the  part  of  certain  parties  to  advance  the  bill  out 
of  its  regular  order.  This,  however,  not  being  the  case,  the  bill,  notwithstand- 
ing Mr.  Starin's  and  Senator  Hiscock's  efforts,  failed  to  pass. 

The  report  concluded  as  follow^s:  "  Indeed  I  may  say  that  too  much  credit 
cannot  be  given  to  Mr.  Starin,  Mr.  Carroll,  Mr.  Wemple,  Mr.  Lester,  Mr. 
Marvin  and  Col.  Ritchie,  for  the  persistent  efforts  which,  during  the  last  year, 
they  have  made  to  advance  the  interests  of  the  Association ;  and  :f  these 
efforts  appear,  on  the  surface,  not  to  have  been  productive  of  positive  results, 
yet,  negatively — such  as  keeping  up  the  credit  of  the  Association,  their  in- 
fluence, and  the  outlay  of  money  on  the  part  of  Mr.  Starin — they  have  been 
productive  of  very  great,  in  fact,  of  incalculable  benefit  to  the  Association. 


V 


^:; 


f    :- 


I 


P 

a 


102 


BISTORT   OF-  THR  SARATOGA  MONTTMEKT   ASSOOIATIOK. 


Indeed,  knowing  as  I  do  the  difficulties  the  Association  has  had  to  contend 
with  the  past  year,  I  am  free  to  say  that  we  owe  a  large  debt  of  gratitude  to 
our  worthy  President,  John  H.  Starin." 

In  August,  1889,  the  Chairman  of  the  Tablet  Committee  reported:  That 
since  the  annual  meeting  in  August,  1888,  four  new  tablets  have  been  erected 
on  the  battle-ground  at  Bemis  Heights.  Repeated  visits  have  been  made  to 
the  battle-ground,  some  of  them  in  midwinter,  by  Capt.  A.  de  R.  McNair  of 
the  committee  and  by  the  chairman,  in  order  to  select  and  secure  the  oroper 
positions  for  these  tablets.     They  occupy  respectively  the  following  positions: 

First — The  one  in  memory  of  Col.  John  Hardin,  presented  by  General 
M.  D.  Hardin,  U.  S.  A.,  is  on  Freeman's  farm,  a  short  distance  from  the  tablet 
formerly  erected  in  special  commemoration  of  the  battle  of  September  19, 1777. 
These  two,  with  the  tablet  erected  in  memory  of  Arnold's  bravery,  form  the 
first  group  of  tablets  to  be  seen  on  approaching  the  field  from  Saratoga 
Springs. 

Second — The  new  tablet  to  mark  the  great  ravine  where  the  fierce  tide  of 
battle  swayed,  which  is  presented  by  Mrs.  Estelle  Willoughby,  is  close  to  the 
bridge  between  Freeman's  farm  and  Neilson's,  and  with  the  tablets  erected 
to  commemorate  the  fall  of  General  Frazer  and  one  to  mark  the  British 
line  of  battle,  form  the  second  group  of  stone  in  continuing  a  visit  to  the 
field. 

T/tird — The  new  tablet  erected  in  memory  of  General  Daniel  Morgan 
and  presented  by  Mrs.  Frank  Taylor,  stands  in  a  prominent  place  about  a 
half  a  mile  beyond  the  second  group,  and  on  the  ground  over  which  Morgan 
made  his  famous  charge  on  Frazer's  division. 

Fourth — The  tablet  to  mark  the  river  entrenchments  and  the  pontoon 
bridge  across  the  Hudson  river,  is  located  near  the  Bemus  Heights  tavern,  and 
with  the  one  formerly  erected  at  thatpoint  and  two  others  on  the  river  road 
form  the  third  group,  beside  the  large  tablet  on  Neilson's  place,  which  stands 
alone. 

The  committee  feel  under  many  obligations  to  Messrs.  Booth  Brothers 
for  their  generosity  and  care  in  filling  the  orders  of  the  committee,  and  to 
Mrs.  George  Ensign  for  attending  to  the  work  on  the  ground. 

Ellen  Hardin  Walworth,  Chairman. 

■  Hon.  John  Sanford  and  C.  S.  Closson,  on  motion  of  Mr.  Marvin,  were 
elected  trustees. 

The  following  resolution  was  offered  by  Colonel  Ritchie,  who  was  form- 
erly commander  of  a  battery  in  the  First  New  York  Light  Artillery,  which 
did  good  service  on  the  Peninsula  during  the  late  civil  war. 

Resolved,  "  That  Congress  be  requested  to  transfer  to  the  custody  of  the 


m 


HISTORY   OF  THR   SARATOGA   MONUMENT   ASSOCIATION. 


103 


I  to  contend 
gratitude  to 

•rted:  That 
seen  erected 
en  made  to 
'..  McNair  of 
the  oroper 
ig  positions: 
by  General 
m  the  tablet 
beri9, 1777. 
ry,  form  the 
n  Saratoga 

erce  tide  of 
lose  to  the 
lets  erected 
the  British 
'isit  to  the 

el  Morgan 
ce  about  a 
ch  Morgan 

le  pontoon 

tavern,  and 

river  road 

lich  stands 

1  Brothers 
ee,  and  to 

'rtnan. 
irvin,  were 

was  form- 
;ry,  which 

>dy  of  the 


Saratoga  Monument  Association  the  four  12-pound  bronze  pieces  captured 
from  Burgoyne  and  now  at  the  Watervliet  arsenal,  the  same  to  be  planted  at 
the  four  corners  of  the  Saratoga  Monument  at  Schuylerville,  and  that  our 
present  member  of  Congress,  Mr.  Sanford,  be  requested  to  secure  these  pieces 
so  that  they  may  at  once  be  placed  in  the  custody  of  the  Monument  Asso- 
ciation." 

The  committee  (John  H.  Starin,  Warner  Miller,  Edward  Wemple,  S.  S. 
Cox,  James  M.  Marvin  and  George  William  Curtis),  whose  duty  it  is  to  mem- 
orialize Congress  for  an  appropriation  to  defray  the  expenses  of  the  coming 
dedication,  was  continued  ;  also,  on  motion  of  Mr.  Potter,  the  committee 
(Wemple,  Ritchie  and  Lester),  whose  province  it  is  to  adjust  and  arrange  for 
the  payment  of  all  bills  and  claims  against  the  Association,  was  continued. 

President  Starin  called  the  attention  of  the  meeting  to  the  advis- 
ability of  having  a  lightning  rod  placed  on  the  Monument,  it  having,  within 
three  years,  been  struck  twice.  On  motion  of  Mr.  Potter,  Commander  McNair 
was  appointed  to  inquire  into  the  best  means  of  protecting  the  Monument 
from  lightning,  and  to  report  as  soon  as  possible,  consistent  with  a  full 
investigation  of  the  subject. 

A  letter  was  then  read  from  Mr.  John  J.  Dalgleish  of  Edinburgh,  Scot- 
land, whose  grandfather  was  in  Burgoyne's  campaign,  enclosing  an  article  from 
the  Edinburgh  Scotsman  of  August  3,  in  reference  to  a  picture  of  the  Saratoga 
Monument  now  on  exhibition  at  Edinburgh. 

At  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Association,  August  12,  1890,  the  President, 
John  H.  Starin,  presided.  Letters  were  read  from  absent  trustees,  and  the 
Secretary  announced  the  great  loss  the  Association  had  sustained  in  the 
decease  of  three  of  its  members — Hon.  S.  S.  Cox,  John  M.  Davison  and  George 
L.  Schuyler — and  he  paid  a  warm  tribute  to  the  memory  of  each.  He  then 
said  :  We  must  not  neglect  to  refer  to  the  death  of  Lord  Carnovan,  late  Secre- 
tary of  the  Colonies  of  Great  Britain,  who  was  t^e  grandnephew  of  L{?dy 
Acland,  and  would,  had  he  lived,  have  placed  a  handsome  cenotaph  to  hor 
memory  on  the  battle-field  of  Saratoga.  He  took  an  earnest  interest  in  this, 
Association,  as  evinced  by  the  interesting  letters  from  him  which  have  been 
laid  before  us  from  time  to  time. 

The  Secretary  then  read  to  the  Association  a  letter  from  Mr.  Dalgleish,  of 
Edinburgh,  in  which  he  states  that  the  colors  of  the  5th  Regiment,  which  were 
to  be  given  up  on  the  surrender  of  Burgoyne,  are  now  in  the  military  chapel 
at  Sandhurst,  England.  These  colors,  in  defiance  of  the  capitulation,  were 
not  surrendered,  but  with  the  military  chest  were  concealed  by  the  colonel  of 
the  regiment ;  and  it  was  this  violation  of  the  agreement  which  caused  the 
Congress  of  1777  to  resolve  that  the  "convention  troops  "  should  not  be  sent 
back  to  England,  but  be  kept  in  America  for  further  negotiations.     Washing- 


104 


HIHTORY   OF  THK   SARATOGA   MONUMENT   AMOOTATION. 


ton  himsolf  ..ulvised  Congress  to  this  course ;  and  thus  it  was  that 
these  very  colors  of  the  9th  Regiment  led  to  such  negotiation.  Our  friend 
Mr.  Dalgleish  proposes  to  have  a  large  photograph  made  of  the  colors 
and  present  it  to  the  Association,  to  be  placed  in  the  relic  room  of  the  Monu- 
ment. 

In  Mr.  Stone's  report,  as  Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Design,  he  said  : 
"  During  the  present  session  of  Congress  two  bills  have  been  introduced  into 
both  houses,  the  first  read  twice  and  referred  to  the  Committee  on  the 
Library.  The  second  bill  relates  to  the  loaning  by  the  General  Government 
of  the  eight  cannon  taken  from  Burgoyne,  and  now  in  the  arsenal  at  Water- 
vliet,  Troy,  N.  Y.  The  first  bill  is  to  obtain  $18,500,  to  pay  all  remaining 
claims  on  the  Monument ;  to  procure  a  bronze  top,  or  cap,  and  for  the  dedi- 
cation.    Mr.  Sanford,  in  a  letter  to  Mr  Starin,  writes  : 

" '  In  regard  to  the  Saratoga  Monument  bill  the  Library  Committee  are 
unanimous  in  its  favor  ;  and  I  am  authorized  to  report  it  favorably  whenever 
there  is  a  chance  of  doing  anything  with  it.'  " 

The  following  are  copies  of  these  bills  : 

AN  ACT  to  authorize  the  Secretary  of  War  to  loan  certain  cannon  to  the 

Saratoga  Monument  Association. 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  of 
America  in  Congress  assembled,  That  the  Secretary  of  War  be,  and  is  hereby 
authorized  to  loan  to  the  Saratoga  Monument  Association  the  following  can- 
non and  so  forth,  captured  from  General  Burgoyne  at  Saratoga,  and  now  on 
hand  at  the  Watervliet  Arsenal,  West  Troy,  New  York,  namely  four  twelve- 
pounder  guns,  one  eight-inch  howitzer,  one  twenty-four  pounder  howitzer, 
one  eight-inch  mortar,  and  one  twenty-four  pounder  mortar,  all  bronze  :  Pro- 
vided, That  the  Secretary  of  War  shall  cause  the  four  twelve-pounder  guns  to 
be  mounted  on  suitable  carriages  before  their  delivery  :  Provided,  That  said 
cannon  shall  be  removed  from  said  arsenal  without  expense  to  the  United 
States  Government. 

Approved,  January  26,  189 1. 

A  BILL  to  approoriv.te  $18,484.57  for  the  completion  and  dedication  of  the 
Monument  commemorating  the  surrender  of  Burgoyne  at  Saratoga,  by 
Mr.  Sanford. 

(May  10,  1890. — Read  twice,  referred  to  the  Committee  on  the  Library,  and 

ordered  to  be  printed). 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  of 
America  in  Congress  assembled :  That  the  sum  of  eighteen  thousand  four  hundred 


ATION. 

Hius  it  was  that 
iation.  Our  friend 
nade  of  the  colors 

room  of  the  Monu- 

>n  Design,  he  said  : 
en  introduced  into 
Committee  on  the 
;neral  Government 
:  arsenal  at  Water- 
pay  all  remaining 
,  and  for  the  dedi- 

ry  Committee  are 
vorably  whenever 


>n  cannon  to  the 

'te  United  States  of 
e,  and  is   hereby 
!ie  following  can- 
oga,  and  now  on 
lely  four  twelve- 
>under  howitzer, 
ill  bronze  :   Pro- 
jounder  guns  to 
"vided.  That  said 
2  to  the  United 


dication  of  the 
tt  Saratoga,  by 

t  Library,  and 


7mted  States  of 
four  hundred 


.'; 


1 


.1 


I 


itj 


[**i 


1 


I    ■ 


Ji 


SARATOGA   MONUMENT. 
"Monuments  make,  as  well  as  mark,  the  civilization  of  a  people.' 


If- 


HIBTORY    OF  THE   8ASATOOA    MOMCMKNT   AMOOIATION. 


105 


and  eighty-four  dollars  and  fifty-seven  cents  be,  and  the  same  is  hereby  appro- 
priated out  of  any  money  in  the  Treasury  not  otherwise  appropriated,  for  the 
completion  and  dedication  of  said  Monument,  the  said  money  to  be  paid  to 
the  Association  aforesaid  upon  the  order  of  the  Secretary  of  War,  and  subject 
to  the  same  requirements  authorizing  former  appropriations  for  said  Monu- 
ment :  Provided,  That  the  said  appropriation  be  applied  to  the  payment  of  the 
following  claims  against  the  Monument  Association  for  work  done,  and  to  the 
other  objects  herein  named,  namely  :  To  J.  C.  Markham,  architect,  for  services, 
seven  hundred  and  fifty  dollars ;  to  Booth  Brothers,  for  mason  work  already 
done,  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  forty-six  dollars  ;  to  C.  S.  Closson,  for 
repairs,  grading  and  so  forth,  already  done,  five  hundred  and  eighty-eight 
dollars ;  for  tablet,  six  hundred  dollars ;  for  brass  window-frames  in  three 
stories,  to  replace  wooden  frames,  two  thousand  dollars  ;  for  copper  top  and 
lightning  conductor,  two  thousand  dollars  ;  for  grading,  landscape  gardening, 
and  fencing  and  retaining  wall,  three  thousand  three  hundred  dollars ;  to 
William  L.  Stone,  Secretary  of  Association,  for  services  since  its  organizKtion, 
one  thousand  dollars  ;  to  American  Art  Metal  Works,  in  compromise  of  claim, 
five  hundred  dollars  ;  to  cover  expenses  of  dedication,  six  thousand  dollars. 


House  or  Representatives. 

51st  Congress,  ist  Session.     Report  No.  3077. 

Completion  and  Dedication  of  the  Saratoga  Monument. 

(September  10,  1890. — Committed  to  the  Committee  of  the  Whole  House  on 
the  State  of  the  Union  and  ordered  to  be  printed.) 

Mr.  Sanford,  from  the  Committee  on  the  Library,  submitted  the  following 
report  (to  accompany  H.  R.  10118): 

The  Committee  on  the  Library,  to  whom  was  referred  the  bill  (H.  R. 
10118)  appropriating  $18,484.57  for  the  completion  and  dedication  of  the  Mon- 
ument commemorating  the  surrender  of  Burgoyne  at  Saratoga,  beg  leave  to 
make  the  following  report : 

The  purpose  of  the  accompanying  bill  is  to  furnish  the  Saratoga  Monu- 
ment Association  with  sufficient  means  to  liquidate  certain  existing  claims  for 
work  already  done,  and  to  pay  for  certain  furnishings  yet  necessary  to  be 
supplied  in  connection  with  the  final  completion  of  the  Saratoga  Monument, 
and  to  enable  the  Association  to  suitably  dedicate  said  structure. 

The  above  Monument  having  been  built  partly  by  national  aid  and  having 
been  the  subject  of  former  reports  to  Congress,  it  will  be  unnecessary,  for  the 


I      i 


:l     1 


'r' 


n^ 


1  i 


.  .'1 


«t.; 


M 


!    I 


io6 


HI8TORT   3F  THR  8AKAT0OA  MOMDMENT  ABflOOLlTION. 


purpose  of  this  report,  to  recite  at  length  the  successive  steps  leading  to  its 
origin  and  construction,  but  a  brief  statement  of  what  has  been  done  and  of 
the  amounts  which  have  been  expended  by  those  having  the  building  of  the 
Monument  immediately  in  charge,  may  facilitate  a  better  understanding  of 
the  bill  which  your  committee  has  had  under  consideration. 

In  1859  a  few  public-spirited  citizens  of  the  State  of  New  York,  under 
the  leadership  of  Hamilton  Fish  and  Horatio  Seymour,  organized  what  is 
known  as  the  San.toga  Monument  Association.  The  Association  is  duly 
incorporated  under  a  perpetual  charter  from  the  State,  and  was  formed  for 
the  purpose  of  fittingly  commemorating  the  surrender  of  General  Burgoyne, 
by  means  of  a  suitable  memorial  erected  upon  the  site  of  the  battle  of  Sara- 
toga. In  pursuance  of  its  purpose  the  Association  secured  title  to  the  neces- 
sary grounds  at  a  cost  of  $io,ooo,  which  amount  was  paid  by  the  private 
subscription  of  members  of  the  Association  and  other  citizens.  Plans  and 
specifications  were  also  prepared  and  the  task  of  securing  an  original  and 
elegant  monumental  design  was  successfully  accomplished. 

In  1880  the  State  of  New  York  appropriated  $25,000  and  Congress  $30,000 
to  the  building  of  the  Monument,  which  amounts  were  exhausted  in  complet- 
ing the  structure  proper,  which  consists  of  a  magnificent  shaft,  or  tower,  155 
feet,  combining  the  Egyptian  and  Gothic  styles  of  architecture. 

The  most  important  feature  of  the  Monument,  namely,  the  historic  sculp- 
ture, tablets,  bronze  ar.d  brass  furnishings  which  were  designed  to  embellish 
the  interior  of  the  tower,  together  with  the  statues  of  Generals  Schuyler, 
Gates  and  Morgan,  which  it  was  intended  should  adorn  the  exterior  thereof, 
yet  remained  to  be  provided  for,  and  in  1884  Congress  appropriated  $40,000 
for  these  decorative  purposes.  The  sum  thus  appropriated,  it  appears,  has 
been  economically  and  judiciously  expended  in  payment  for  such  furnishings, 
statuary  and  historic  tablets  only,  as  were  most  essential  to  a  completion  of 
the  design  and  a  proper  portrayal  of  the  great  event  to  be  commemorated. 
Certain  work  yet  remains  to  be  completed  and  paid  for,  an  itemized  account 
of  which  is  given  in  the  accompanying  bill,  after  which  the  magnificent 
structure  awaits  a  suitable  dedication.  For  the  payment  of  a  few  existing 
claims  and  to  complete  this  work  yet  necessary  to  be  done,  and  to  provide 
means  with  which  to  properly  dedicate  the  Monument,  the  Association  has 
asked,  and  this  bill  seeks  to  appropriate,  the  sum  of  $18,484.57. 

It  will  be  seen  from  the  foregoing  that  while  th.^  building  of  the  Saratoga 
Monument  has  not  been  directly  under  the  supervision  of  Congress,  yet  that 
it  has  beeri  the  policy  of  the  National  Government  to  encourage,  by  substan- 
tial aid,  the  successful  accomplishment  of  the  great  undertaking.  And  it  is 
certainly  but  meet  and  proper  that  a  nation  whose  existence  has  been  crowned 
by  more  than  a  hundred  years  of  unparalleled  prosperity,  and  whose  people 


HI8TOBT   OF   THE   SARATOGA   MONUMENT   ASSOCIATION. 


107 


ding  to  its 

'^B 

one  and  of                1 

hH 

ding  of  the                ' 

^B 

standing  of 

'tm^_ 

fork,  under 

H 

ltd  what  is 

^B 

ion  is  duly 

:^B 

formed  for 

gH 

Burgoyne, 

:^| 

Lie  of  Sara- 

^Hi- 

0  the  netcs- 

^H 

the  private 

I^H 

Plans  and 

^IhHhL 

riginal  and 

S 

ress  $30,000 

'9 

in  complct- 

;^M 

tower,  15s 

■  'mm 

storic  sculp- 

V^^^^B. 

0  embellish 

i'jn^B 

Is  Schuyler, 

rior  thereof, 

ifln 

ited  $40,000 

Hi 

ippears,  has 

'Sn 

furnishings. 

.«■ 

mpletion  of 

'IB 

memorated. 

J|B 

zed  account 

~^|tt 

magnificent 

(t^B^^B 

ew  existing 

jH|| 

d  to  provide 

"^^M. 

ociation  has 

he  Saratoga 

ss,  yet  that 

.^ 

by  substan- 

ISB 

And  it  is 

mB 

een  crowned 

^R 

hose  people 

3| 

are  now  at  peace  with  all  the  world,  should  commemorate  with  becoming 
r^'j^nity  the  great  historic  events  which  made  such  an  existence  and  condition 
possible.  Never  did  a  more  important  battle,  when  measured  by  its  results, 
occur  on  American  soil  than  was  that  waged  and  won  oi  the  consecrated 
plains  of  Saratoga.  By  the  signal  victory  there  attained  the  French  alliance 
was  secured  and  the  hearts  of  the  American  colonists  were  inspired  wj  h 
renewed  confidence  and  courage,  enabling  them  to  deliver  the  final  s  ' ^.^^  ;t 
Yorktown  v»hirh  broke  the  bonds  of  English  tyranny  and  establishe<  fortve.* 
our  national  independence. 

In  view,  therefore,  of  the  national  importance  of  the  great  military  event 
to  be  commemorated,  and  believing  the  sum  named  to  be  actually  necessary 
to  a  proper  consummation  of  a  laudable  and  patriotic  purpose,  the  con*,  jittee 
earnestly  recommend  the  passage  of  the  bill. 


The  annual  meeting  of  the  Saratoga  Monument  Association  was  held  at 
the  United  States  Hotel,  in  Saratoga  Springs,  August  nth,  1891,  Vice-Presi- 
dent Marvin,  in  the  absence  of  the  President,  John  H.  Starin,  in  the  chair. 
The  Trustees  present  were :  Hon.  D.  S.  Potter,  Comptroller  Edward  Wemple, 
Lieut.  MvNair,  Mrs.  E.  H.  Walworth,  Senator  John  Foley,  Col.  D.  F.  Ritchie 
and  Lemon  Thompson. 

Letters  and  telegrams  were  received  and  read  from  President  Starin,  Hon. 
Geo.  William  Curtis,  Hon.  Geo.  S.  Batcheller,  Minister  to  Portugal,  Gen. 
John  Meredith  Read,  Hon.  Warner  Miller,  E.  T.  Slocun.,  Gen.  Horatio 
Rogers,  Hon.  Howard  Carroll,  Gen.  S.  D.  Kirk,  E.  J.  Lowell,  Hon.  Jas.  W, 
Husted,  Jno.  G.  McNary,  Architect  Markham,  Chas.  M.  Bliss,  Gen.  Bullard, 
Hon.  Chas.  S.  Lester,  Wm.  L.  Stone,  Jr.,  Hon.  Jas.  L.  Benedict  and  others. 

There  were  also  present,  as  invited  guests,  Prof.  D,  M.  Xelsey,  A.  A.  Pat- 
terson, M.  S.  Potter,  B.  G.  Carpenter  and  wife,  Frederick  NcNaughton,  Chas. 
M.  Davison,  the  sculptor  Mr,  Geo.  E.  Bissell,  Mr.  George  Whittemore,  of  the 
New  York  Press,  and  Gen.  N.  M.  Curtis. 

JOHN    H.  STARIN'S   LETTER. 

New  York  City,  August  8th,  1891, 
To  W.  L.  Stone,  Secretary  Saratoga  Monument  Association  .- 

My  Dear  Sir— I  regret  exceedingly  my  inability  to  meet  the  Saratoga 
Monument  Association  on  Tuesday  next,  but  I  find  that  my  engagements  are 
such  that  I  cannot  possibly  leave  New  York  at  this  time.  In  my  absence  I 
ask  that  you  will  be  good  enough  to  present  to  f.ho  Association— to  be  placed 
in  the  Monument— a  bronze  bust  of  its  first  President,  the  honorable  and 


'^1  t 

ft,  r   , 
I 


I  ■ 


I 


Ml 


..^■ji;^^-!^ 


. -;»j.c-.ri;''*»l 


ipiMniap   (•> 


]' 


;.{»' 


io8 


HISTORY   OF  THE  8ABAT0GA   MONUMENT  ASSOCIATION. 


honored  Horatio  Seymour,  which  I  have  caused  to  be  executed  by  the 
sculptor,  Bissel.  Gov.  Seymour  was  the  pathfinder,  so  far  as  our  Monument 
is  concerned,  and  now  thit  we  are  about  to  close  the  work,  which  he  so  well 
began,  it  seems  to  me  fitting  that  I  should  honor  his  memory  in  that  way. 
Bespeaking  for  you  a  meeting  in  every  way  successful  and  harmonious. 


I  am,  sincerely  yours. 


John  H.  Starin. 


GEORGE   WILLIAM    CURTIS     LETTER. 

AsHKiELD,  Mass.,  July  22d,  1891. 

My  Dear  Sir — In  my  inability  to  attend  the  annual  meeting,  I  am  glad  to 
think  the  affairs  of  the  Association  are  in  such  faithful  and  devoted  hands. 
We  have  reason  to  congratulate  ourselves  that  the  bill  originally  drawn  by 
the  late  Hon.  S.  S.  Cox  lending  to  us  the  ten  bronze  cannon  has  become  a 
law.  They  are  a  fitting  and  permanent  decoration  of  the  great  memorial 
work  that  we  have  in  charge,  and  I  like  to  think  of  them  as  "  spiked  "  forever 
by  the  mutual  good  will  01  England  and  America.  The  surrender  of  Bur- 
goyne  contributed  to  our  independen>';e  of  the  British  crown,  but  not  of  the 
traditions  and  the  power  of  the  race  from  which  we  are  chiefly  sprung. 

I  trust  that  the  dedication  of  the  completed  Monument  will  not  be  long 
delayed,  and  that  the  bill,  which  was  unanimously  reported  by  the  Library 
Committee  at  the  last  session,  will  be  promptly  passed  by  the  next  Con- 
gress. 

Very  cordially  yours, 

George  William  Curtis. 

To  the  same  effect  Mr,  r,  C.  Ford  wrote,  and  after  expressing  his  wish 
that  the  dedication  should  not  be  Ion'-  delayed,  said  :  "An  old  man  passing 
by  the  uncoffined  remains  of  the  great  Webster,  feelingly  rema"ked  :  '  Ah  ! 
Mr.  Webster,  the  world  will  be  lonesome  without  you  ; '  so  the  Saratoga 
Monument  Association  would  to  me  seem  a  lonesome  place  without  its  pres- 
ent President  and  Secretary." 

The  officers  and  committees  for  the  ensuing  year  were  then  elected. 

General  James  Grant  Wilson,  Matthew  Clarkson,  whose  grandfather  was 
aid  of  Gen.  Arnold  at  the  battle  and  Hon.  Amos  J.  Cummings,  the  successor 
f  f  the  late  Hon.  S.  S.  Cox  in  Congress,  were  then  elected  trustees. 


f^mmmi 


ted  by  the 
Monument 
he  so  well 

1  that  way. 

lious, 

Jtarin. 


IIMTORT   OF   THE   SARATOGA   MON''MENT   ASSOCIAiroN. 


REPORT    OF    THE    COMMITTEE    ON    DESIGN. 


109 


1,  1891. 

am  glad  to 
3ted  hands, 
y  drawn  by 
s  become  a 
t  memorial 
:d  "  forever 
ler  of  Bur- 

not  of  the 
ung. 

lot  be  long 
he  Library 

next  Con- 


.URTIS. 

ig  his  wish 
lan  passing 
sd  :  '  Ah  ! 
2  Saratoga 
ut  its  pres- 
elected, 
[father  was 
e  successor 


Geiitletnen  of  the  Saratoga  Monument  Association : 

In  presenting  the  annual  report  of  your  committee,  the  first  item  of 
moment  is  the  success  which  has  been  met  with  in  securing  for  the  Associa- 
tion the  cannon  captured  from  Burgoyne  at  the  surrender.  This  was  accom- 
plished by  the  efforts  of  our  trustee — Hon.  John  Sanford — during  the  last 
session  of  Congress ;  and  the  cannon  now  at  Watervliet  Arsenal,  and  consist- 
ing of  four  i2-pounder  guns,  one  8-inch  howitzer,  one  24-pounder  howitzer, 
one  8-inch  mortar,  and  one  24-pounder  mortar,  all  bronze,  having  been  given  to 
the  Association  in  trust,  provided  a  bond  for  $3,500  is  filed  in  the  War  Depart- 
ment for  the  safe  keeping  of  the  property.  The  cost  of  mounting  them  on 
bronze  carriages  will  be  $1,500  ;  but  four  unused  wooden  carriages  at  Water- 
vliet can  be  altered  to  fit  the  four  12-pounder  guns  at  a  cost  of  $25.  Action 
regarding  this  proposition  will  of  course  be  taken  at  this  meeting. 

Mr.  Sanford,  however,  was  not  so  fortunate  in  obtaining  an  appropriation 
of  $18,48/  for  the  dedication  of  the  Monument.  A  bill  for  this  purpose  was 
introduced  by  that  gentleman  on  May  10  of  last  year,  read  twice,  referred  to 
the  "  Committee  of  the  Library,"  and  ordered  to  be  printed.  In  addition  to 
which  the  Committee  were  not  only  entirely  unanimous  in  recommending  its 
passage,  but  urged  Mr.  Sanford  to  report  it  to  Congress.  This  Mr.  Sanford 
lost  no  time  in  doing,  and  at  first  everything  looked  most  auspicious  for  its 
passage.  Indeed,  the  bill  would  havj  been  undoubtedly  passed  had  it  noi 
been  that  the  tariff,  free  coinage  and  Lodge  bills,  coming  up  nearly  simultan- 
eously, completely  absorbed  the  attention  of  Congress  to  the  exclusion  of 
every  other  interest.  Consequently,  as  the  next  Congress  is  a  new  one,  our 
efforts  to  secure  an  appropriation  must  be  begun  de  noiw.  Our  worthy  Presi- 
dent and  ot  Representative  in  Congress,  however,  do  not  despair  of  being 
successful  during  the  coming  session.  They  will  also  be  greatly  aided  by 
Mrs.  Walworth's  new  work,  containing  engravings  of  the  memorial  tablets  on 
the  battle  ground,  and  when  it  is  remembered  that  the  Association  have  been 
rying  ever  since  1882 — when  our  lamented  associate,  Hon.  S.  S.  Cox,  first 
troduced  the  bill — to  secure  the  captured  cannon,  this  last  success  may  be 
considered  a  great  victory  !  Nil  desperandum  has,  from  the  first  organization, 
ever  been  its  motto.     Nor  will  we  despair  of  ultimate  success  ! 

Some  of  the  Trustees  now  around  me  will  recall  ten  years  since,  when  we 
were  assembled  in  this  same  room  with  not  a  cent  in  the  treasury  and  nothing 
to  encourage  us  save  a  noble  resolve  to  persevere.  On  that  occasion  the  late 
Gov.  Seymour  and  Chancellor  Pruyn,  James  M.  Marvin  and  John  H.  Starin 
said,  "be  of  good  cheer" — even  as  the  Indians  of  Narragansett  first  greeted 
Roger  Williams — driven  from  the  inhospitable  shores  of  Massachusetts  for 


I  '' 


?1 


no 


HISTORY   OF  THE   8ABAT0OA  MOKDMENT  ASSOCIATION. 


opinion's  sake — as  his  boat  grounded  upon  their  beach,  with  the  words, 
"  What  cheer  ? "  And  what  is  the  result  ?  The  Saratoga  Monument  Associa- 
tion having,  in  1879,  nothing  in  its  treasury  save  the  sentiments  of  patriotism, 
first  obtained  frorn  successive  New  York  Legislatures,  by  the  exertions  of 
Charles  S.  Lester  and  b  S.  Potter,  $15,000  and  $10,000,  and  from  Congress 
through  President  Starin  hi  st.  $30,000  ;  and,  secondly,  through  our  President 
again  and  Algernon  S.  SuUivao,  S.  S.  Cox,  George  William  Curtis  and  our 
representative  in  Congress,  Edward  Wemple,  $40,000 — $95,000 ;  and  now  by 
their  efforts,  the  Saratoga  Monument,  in  massive  granite,  overlooks  "  the  field 
of  the  grounded  arms,"  and  stands  unrivaled  among  the  monuments  in 
Europe  and  America,  both  for  artistic  finish  and  grandeur  of  design.  Said 
Irenaeus  Prime,  I  know  of  nothing  which  can  compare  with  it ;  and  to  the 
same  effect,  wrote  President  Andrew  D.  White,  in  all  of  my  travels  both  in 
the  Old  and  the  New  World,  I  have  never  seen  anything  which  equals  it. 
Judgments  from  such  distinguished  men  and  art  critics  are  of  the  most 
superlative  value. 

Said  Gov.  Seymour  in  his  oration  at  the  laying  of  the  corner-stone  of  our 
Monument :  "  Monuments  not  only  mark,  but  make  the  civilization  of  a 
people ;"  and  Lord  Macaulay  ii.  his  comments  on  the  siege  of  Londonderry, 
wrote  :  "  A  people  which  takes  no  pride  in  the  noble  achievements  of  remote 
ancestors,  will  never  achieve  anything  worthy  to  be  remembered  with  pride 
by  remote  descendants." 

Since  the  last  meeting  I  have  received  a  letter  from  the  Secretary  of  the 
Countess  of  Carnarvon,  widow  of  the  late  Earl  of  Carnarvon,  in  response  to 
the  action  of  the  Association  at  its  last  annual  meeting. 

The  financial  condition  of  the  Association  is  the  same  as  by  last  report. 

It  remains  but  to  announce  the  death,  since  our  last  meeting,  of  Mr. 
Edward  W.  B.  Canning,  our  first  and  only  corresponding  Secretary,  and  one 
who,  by  his  pen,  rendered  great  aid  to  the  Association  in  its  first  beginning. 
He  died  on  August  12th  of  last  year — just  after  he  had  penned  his  usual  felici- 
tous letter  to  be  read  at  our  annual  meeting — yea,  even  as  I  was  reading  it  to 
you,  the  writer  was  in  the  throes  of  death. 

Mr.  Canning  was  mainly  instrumental  in  procuring  the  erection  of  the 
Monument  which  now  marks  the  site  of  the  fall  of  Col.  Ephraim  Williams 
(the  founder  of  Williams  College)  at  the  battle  of  Lake  George  in  September, 
1755,  and  Mr.  Canning's  name  is  very  appropriately  inscribed  on  the  Monu- 
ment as  one  of  the  originators  of  that  tribute  to  a  most  distinguished  man  in 
Colonial  times. 

He  was  also,  until  his  deati.,  a  valued  Trustee  of  the  Saratoga  Monument 
Association  ;  and  until  a  few  years  since — when  his  many  engagements  forced 
him   to  resign  the  office — its  Corresponding   Secretary.     He   ivrote'  several 


HISTOBT  OF  THB  SABA.TOGA  MONimENT  ASSOCIATION. 


Ill 


the  words, 
ent  Associa- 
■  patriotism, 
exertions  of 
m  Congress 
ir  President 
'tis  and  our 
ind  now  by 
:s  "  the  field 
numents  in 
:sign.  Said 
and  to  the 
■els  both  in 
h  equals  it. 
f  the  most 

•tone  of  our 
zation  of  a 
)ndonderry, 
Ls  of  remote 
with  pride 

itary  of  the 
response  to 

St  report, 
ing,  of  Mr. 
ry,  and  one 
beginning, 
usual  felici. 
eading  it  to 

tion  of  the 
m  Williams 
September, 
the  Monu- 
ied  man  in 

Monument 
ents  forced 
ate   several 


exquisite  poems — marked  by  finished  versification — for  the  Association,  one 
on  the  death  of  General  Fraser. 

Another  beautiful  piece  appears  in  my  "  Burgoyne's  Campaign,"  entitled, 
"  To  the  Relics  of  My  British  Grenadiers."  It  was  suggested  by  Mr.  Canning 
having  in  his  possession  the  skull  of  a  British  officer  found  at  Lake  George, 
the  first  stanza  of  which  is  as  follows  : 

Strange  bivouac,  old  Grenadier, 
Thou,  in  my  quiet  study  here, 

Hast  found  at  last ; 
While  I,  who  life's  campaign  begun 
When  thou  for  forty  years  hadst  done, 

Patrol  the  past. 

William  L.  Stone, 

Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Design. 

Mrs.  Walworth,  as  Chairman  of  the  "  Committee  on  the  Custody  of  the 
Monument,"  presented  the  following  report : 

Your  Committee  woujd  respectfully  report  : 

That  they  have  visited  and  made  a  careful  examination  of  the  Monument 
this  month.  The  substantial  character  of  the  work  is  manifest  in  the  good 
preservation  of  all  the  important  parts  of  the  Monument.  We  would  call 
attention  to  a  few  minor  things,  as  the  discoloration  of  the  iron  stairs  and 
ceilings,  which  now  need  a  coat  of  paint.  Stone  or  wooden  sills  under  each 
window  might,  perhaps,  prevent  the  rain  and  thawing  of  ice  or  snow  from 
dripping  in,  which  appears  to  be  the  cause  of  the  discoloration  referred  to 
above. 

We  would  recommend  that,  as  soon  as  practicable,  the  names  of  Gen- 
erals Schuyler,  Gates,  Morgan  and  Arnold  should  be  cut  in  the  stone  base 
under  the  three  statues,  and  under  the  vacant  niche  where  Arnold's  statue 
would  be  but  for  his  treason  ;  there  are  visitors  unfortunately  ignorant  enough 
to  read  the  names  of  the  sculptors  and  believe  them  to  be  the  heroes  of  the 
revolution,  instead  of  the  eminent  artists  of  to-day.  Your  Committee  feel,  with 
the  Association,  a  special  pride  and  interest  in  the  long-desired  historical 
cannon,  now  secured  to  us  through  the  efforts  of  Mr.  Sanford,  and  would 
express  a  wish  that  the  trophies  may  be  sent  up  from  Watervliet  before  the 
canal  closes  this  autumn,  that  they  may  be  placed  on  the  four  corners  of  the 
Monument  in  time  for  the  beginning  of  the  next  season. 

We  would  also  respectfully  request  the  Association  to  invite  the  President 
of  the  United  States  to  visit  the  Monument  during  his  expected  sojourn  in 


i\\ 


i     i 


112 


HISTORY  OF  THE  SARATOGA  MONUMBNT   ASSOCIATION. 


Saratoga  Springs  this  month.     A  financial  statement  of  receipts  and  expendi- 
tures at  the  Monument  accompanies  this  report. 
All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitteC. 

Ellen  Hardin  Walworth. 

Lieut.  McNair,  to  whom  was  assigned  the  office  of  investigating  the  best 
method  of  protecting  the  Monument  (which  has  been  struck  twice),  reported 
in  favor  of  the  plan  adopted  for  the  Washington  Monument,  viz.:  that  the 
lightning  rods  should  descend  from  a  metallic  cap  placed  on  the  apex  of  the 
Monument,  and  running  through  the  interior,  be  sunk  in  the  earth.  Lieut. 
McNair  was  continued  on  the  Committee,  and  was  given  entire  charge  of 
this  special  feature. 

HISTORIC    TABLETS. 

The  following  is  the  report  of  the  Tablet  Committee  : 

Your  Committee  would  respectfully  report  :  That  they  have  visited  the 
battle  grounds  at  Bemis  Heights  twice  during  the  year,  to  inspect  the  tablets 
erected  there,  and  that  they  are  in  good  condition. 

The  Chairman  of  the  Committee  has  this  summer  had  photographs  taken 
of  these  tablets  (Captain  McNair  of  the  Committee  accompanying  the  pho- 
tographer to  secure  the  best  view  of  the  tablets,  and  of  other  points  of  in- 
terest on  the  battle-field),  and  has  presented  to  each  donor  of  a  tablet  a  pho- 
tograph of  the  tablet  given.  Several  of  these  patriotic  men  and  women 
have  been  unable  to  visit  the  battle-ground  since  the  erection  of  these 
memorial  stones  which  their  generosity  has  provided  for  the  public  ;  they  all 
express  much  satisfaction  with  the  appearance  of  the  tablets  as  represented 
in  these  views. 

Two  important  points  of  interest  on  the  field  are  still  open  to  subscribers, 
one  the  headquarters  of  Gen.  Gates,  the  other  the  line  of  American  entrench- 
ments as  planned  by  Kosciusko,  beginning  at  the  river  bank ;  it  was  the 
point  selected  by  Governor  Seymour  for  the  tablet,  which  he  would  have 
erected  but  for  his  rapidly-falling  health,  which  followed  immediately  after 
his  selection  of  this  spot  for  a  memorial  tablet.  It  is  expected,  however,  that 
points  of  so  much  interest  will  very  soon  find  willing  subscribers. 

Respectfully  submitted, 

Ellen  Hardin  Walworth, 

Chairman  of  Tablet  Committee. 

MISCELLANEOUS   BUSINESS. 

Under  this  head  a  resolution  was  passed  that  an  invitation  should  be 
tendered  President  Harrison  (on  his  coming  visit  to  the  village)  on  behalf  of 


fi     i 


HtSTORY  OF    THE  SARATOGA   MONtTMKNT   ASSOCIATION. 


113 


nd  expendi- 


WORTH. 

ing  the  best 
e),  reported 
z.:  that  the 
apex  of  the 
rth.  Lieut. 
;  charge  of 


visited  the 
the  tablets 

aphs  taken 
Ef  the  pho- 
•ints  of  in- 
blet  a  pho- 
nd  women 
ti  of  these 
c  ;  they  all 
epresented 

ubscribers, 
entrench- 
it  was  the 
rould  have 
lately  after 
vever,  that 


imittee. 


should  be 
1  behalf  of 


the  Association  to  visit  the  Monument  ;  and  '  irther,  that  the  local  members 
of  the  Association  should  be  a  committee  to  escort  him  (in  case  of  his  accept- 
ance) to  the  Monument. 


DAUGHTERS   OF    THE    REVOLUTION. 

Lieut.  McNair  then  offered  the  following  resolution,  which  was  unani- 
mously passed  : 

"  Whereas,  The  National  Society  of  the  Daughters  of  the  American  Revo- 
lution, established  in  Washington  city  October  11,  1890,  and  presided  over  by 
Mrs.  Benjamin  Harrison,  and  represented  by  women  of  acknowledged 
standing  and  ability,  has  for  its  object: 

"To  perpetuate  the  memory  and  spirit  of  the  men  and  women  who 
obtained  American  Independence  by  the  acquisition  and  protection  of  his- 
torical spots,  and  the  erection  of  monuments,  etc. 

"And  to  cherish,  maintain  and  extend  the  institutions  of  American  free- 
dom, to  foster  true  patriotism  and  love  of  country  ;  therefor/;, 

"Resolved,  The  Saratoga  Monument  Association  sends  greeting  and 
cordial  wishes  for  success  in  their  patriotic  undertakings  to  the  •  Daughters 
of  the  American  Revolution.'  " 

PRESENTATION    OF   THE    BRONZE    BUST— MR.    STONE's   REMARKS. 

The  meeting  closed  by  the  presentation  by  Secretary  Stone,  on  behalf  of 
President  John  H.  Starin,  of  a  magnificent  bronze  bust  of  the  Association's 
former  President,  the  late  Horatio  Seymour.     Mr.  Stone  said  : 

In  presenting  to  the  Association,  on  behalf  of  our  respected  president,  a 
bronze  bust  of  its  former  president,  the  late  Horatio  Seymour,  a  brief  sketch 
of  the  latter  seems  appropriate— a  sketch  not  of  his  public  and  private  life, 
but  of  his  relations  with  the  Saratoga  Monument  Association. 

As  one  of  its  original  incorporators,  and  for  many  years  its  Vice-President 
and  President,  his  connection  with  it  was  not  merely  nominal  or  confined  to 
verbal  platitudes  expressive  of  general  interest  in  its  welfare.  From  the  very 
beginning  his  efforts  were  most  assiduously  devoted,  both  by  his  pen  and  on  the 
platform  to  creating  a  public  spirit  in  favor  of  the  objects  of  the  Association, 
These  efforts,  moreover,  were  began  and  preserved  in  for  many  years  before  the 
recent  centennial  celebrations  all  over  the  land  had  become  the  fashion  and 
made  such  efforts  comparatively  easy ;  and,  when,  consequently,  it  was  down- 
right "uphill"  work  to  create  a  public  sentiment  in  favor  of  monuments  of 
any  kind,  no  matter  how  patriotic  and  praiseworthy  the  deeds  they  were 
designed  to  commemorate.     The  effects  of  this  continued  effort  on  Governor 


.r- 


mmmm 


■l,"tlfffJtW 


um 


I!, 


114 


BISTORT  OF  THB  SA.HATOOA   MONUMENT   ASBOOIATION. 


Seymour's  part  were  at  length  apparent,  when,  in  procuring  the  several 
National  and  State  appropriations,  his  name  was  always  used  as  a  rallying  cry 
for  patriotic  men  of  all  parties  in  advocating  these  measures.  He  delivered, 
it  will  be  remembered,  one  of  the  chief  orations  at  the  laying  of  the  corner 
stone  of  the  Monument,  and  contributed  most  liberally,  not  only  towards  the 
expenses  of  that  celebration,  but  to  everything  designed  to  further  our  success; 
and,  when  he  became  too  feeble  to  act  longer  as  our  President,  he  summoned 
me  from  New  York  to  his  bedside  at  his  home  in  Deerfield,  near  Utica,  (chosen 
partly  on  account  of  its  overlooking  the  Oriskany  battle  ground),  for  the  pur- 
pose of  tendering  his  resignation.  On  this  occasion,  after  giving  me,  at  my 
request,  various  valuable  suggestions  for  the  final  completion  of  the  Monu- 
ment, he  stated  that  he  had  requested  my  personal  presence  chiefly  to  beg  of 
the  Association  that  John  H.  Starin  should  be  tendered  the  position  of  Presi- 
dent made  vacant  by  his  resignation.  This,  he  urged,  should  be  done  not  only 
in  recognition  of  Mr.  Starin's  successful  efforts  in  procuring  from  Congress 
the  $30,000  appropriation  by  which  the  idea  of  a  Monument  had  been  crystal- 
lized into  a  hard  and  solid  fact,  but  because  he  thought  that  the  interests  of 
the  Association  could  not  be  confided  to  worthier  or  abler  hands.  Governor 
Seymour  at  this  time  also  spoke  to  me  in  substance  as  follows : 

Mr.  Stone,  the  election  of  Mr.  Starin,  descended  as  he  is  from  an  old 
Revolution  family  in  the  Mohawk  Valley,  nearly  all  of  whom  suffered  for 
their  patriotism  in  their  persons  and  fortunes  during  St.  Leger's  raid — would 
be  eminently  fitting,  besides  being  a  worthy  tribute  to  a  most  patriotic  man. 

Hence,  Governor  Seymour  being  one  whose  memory  Mr.  Starin 
"  delighteth  to  honor,"  has  had  this  classic  bust,  now  before  you,  made  by  one 
of  America's  well-known  and  best  sculptors,  Mr.  George  E.  Bissell — the  same 
who  fashioned  the  heroic  statue  of  General  Gates,  which  now  stands  above 
the  por'^-'ls  of  the  Monument. 

I,  therefore,  have  now  *he  honor  to  present  the  Saratoga  Monument  Asso- 
c  -^tion,  on  behalf  of  President  Starin,  with  the  bust  of  our  late  revered  Presi- 
dent, Horatio  Seymour,  which,  as  you  will  perceive,  is  a  most  life-like  likeness. 
Alas!  how  often  have  we  all  of  us  seen  its  original  seated  in  this  very  room 
and  at  the  very  table  where  now  stands  his  simulacrum  : 

His  walk  through  life  was  marked  by  every  grace ; 

His  soul  sincere,  his  features  void  of  guile, 
Long  siiall  remembrance  all  his  virtues  trace. 

And  fancy  picture  his  benignant  smile. 

This  gift — so  long  as  bronze  endures — shall  perpetrate  the  generosity  and 
high  patriotic  spirit  of  two  noble  men ;  and,  as  future  visitors  to  the  Monu- 
ment shall  read  the  name  on  this  bronze  tribute,  so  shall  they,  perchance, 


UI8TOBT   OF  THK  SARATOGA   MONCMENT   ASSOCIATION. 


115 


he  several 
allying  cry 

delivered, 
the  corner 
wards  the 
ur success; 
summoned 
ca,  (chosen 
jr  the  pur- 
me,  at  my 
the  Monu- 

to  beg  of 
1  of  Presi- 
le  not  only 
I  Congress 
en  crystal- 
iterests  of 

Governor 

:)m  an  old 
jfiered  for 
id — would 
iotic  man. 
r.  Starin 
ide  by  one 
-the  same 
nds  above 


recall  the  words  of  Cicero,  uttered  on  a  somewhat  similar  occasion : 
ipsis  legendis,  redeo  in  memorium  mortuorum." 


'His 


To  these  remarks  Co?  D.  F.  Ritchie,  in  accepting  the  bust  on  behalf  of 
the  Association,  responded  in  his  usual  felicitous  manner  as  follows  : 

Mr.  Chairman — Permit  me  on  behalf  of  the  Saratoga  Monument  Associa- 
tion to  acknowledge  this  fitting  gift  from  a  generous  hand.  Mr.  Starin,  the 
President  of  this  Association,  has  given  to  us  in  enduring  bronze  the  simili- 
tude of  one  who  honored  this  Association  in  accepting  the  Presidency  of  it, 
and  to  whom  it  is  indebted  f?<'  much  of  the  success  that  has  attended  its 
efforts  during  the  vicissitudes  of  its  history.  Mr.  Seymour  honored  the 
Association  not  so  much  because  of  his  high  rank  as  the  chief  executive  of 
our  great  commonwealth,  but  that  he  was  one  who  profoundly  loved  his 
State,  and  appreciated  as  a  deep  and  thoughtful  student  her  rich  but  unde- 
veloped historic  treasures,  richer  perhaps  in  this  section  than  any  other 
portion  of  our  great  country.  Mr.  Seymour  always  exhibited,  as  Mr.  Starin 
has  done,  the  liveliest  interest  in  this  Association  and  its  work  up  to  the  hour 
of  his  death,  and  no  more  grateful  tribute  could  be  paid  to  his  memory  by 
his  successor,  Mr,  Starin,  the  President  of  this  Association,  whose  absence 
we  regret,  than  is  furnished  in  this  artistic  and  life-like  memorial  fashioned 
by  the  deft  hand  of  so  skilled  an  artist  as  Bissell.  And  I  offer,  sir,  as  a 
minute  of  this  Association, 

That  we  gratefully  acknowledge  and  receive  from  John  H.  Starin  this 
noble  bronze  bust  of  Horatio  Seymour  to  be  placed  in  the  Monument  at 
Schuylerville. 

The  minute  was  unanimously  adopted,  and  the  bust  placed  in  the  hands 
of  the  Monument  Committee. 

At  the  conclusion  of  these  remarks  the  following  resolution  was  passed  : 

Resolved,  That  the  Saratoga  Monument  Association,  appreciating  most 
deeply  this  classic  gift  of  their  honored  President,  John  H.  Starin,  tender  him 
their  most  hearty  thanks  for  the  same,  and  unite  in  the  belief  that  the  donor 
will  remain  enshrined  in  the  hearts  of  the  patriotic  public,  so  long  as  the 
bronze  which  perpetuates  the  features  of  their  late  President  shall  endure. 
We  also  congratulate  him  in  having  selected  a  sculptor  who  has  reproduced 
such  a  wonderful  life-like  image  of  the  original. 

Upon  the  adjournment  of  the  meeting  the  attention  of  the  trustees  was 
called  to  the  copies  of  steel  plate  portraits  and  engravings  of  historic  tablets 
prepared  for  the  History  of  the  Association  about  to  be  issued  by  Mrs. 
Walworth  ;  they  were  heartily  approved.     A  more  careful  view  was  now  taken 


'»I 


•\  % 


I  'i 


ii6 


HISTORY   OF  THE   SARATOGA   MONUMKNT   ASSOCIATION. 


of  the  bust  of  Governor  Seymour,  and  mucii  gratification  was  expressed  that 
the  generosity  of  Mr.  Starin  had  enriched  the  art  treasures  and  the  valuable 
memorials  of  the  Monument  with  this  must  appropriate  gift.  The  busi;  was 
left  on  exhibition  in  the  hotel  for  one  week,  and  was  then  conveyed  to  Schuy- 
lerville  and  deposited  on  a  handsome  pedestal  in  the  lower  room  of  the 
Monument,  a  fit  companion  for  the  bronze  tablets  of  heroic  men  and  women 
of  the  American  Revolution. 


»   ', 


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jfW 


24-POUNDER  TAKEN  FROM  THE  BRITISH,  1813. 
The  Gift  of  J.  Watts  de  Peyster. 


!        I 


1*/ 


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f 


HtSTORY   OF  THK   8AHAT0GA    MONCMKNT  ASSOCIATION. 


ii6a 


Members  of  the  First  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  Saratoga  Monument 

Association,  Created  by  the  New  York  Le(;iblature, 

April  19,  1859. 


HAMILTON  FISH,* 
J.  ROMEYN  BROADHEAD,f 
GEO.  W.  BLEECKER.t 
PHILIP  SCHUYLER,f 
EDWARD  C    DELAVAN.t 
WM.  WILCOX,t 
HENRY  HOLMES.t 
GEO.  STROVER,t 


JAMES  M.  COOK,t 
PETER  GANSEVOORT,t 
JOHN  A.  COREY,f 
ASA  C.  TEKFT,t 
LEROY  MONEY.t 
HORATIO  SEYMOUR.t 
BENSON  J.  LOSSING.t 
JAMES  M.  MARVIN.t 


First  Board  of  Trustees,  Created  by  the  Amended  Act  of 
New  York  Legislature,  Passed  April  30,  1873. 

HAMILTON  FISH,*  JOHN  A.  COREY,t 

HORATIO  SEYMOUR,t  CHAS.  H.  PAYNE.f 

BENSON  J.  LOSSING,t  JAMES.  M.  MARVIN,t 

ASA  C.  TEFFT,t  WILLIAM  L.  STONE.f 
LEROY  MONEY,t 


Second  Board  of  Trustees,  Elected  Since  the  Passage  of  the 

Amended  Act. 


JOHN  WATTS  DE  PEYSTER,* 
ALGERNON  S.  SULLIVAN.f 
JOHN  H.  STARIN, 

*  Resigned,    t  Deceased. 


B.  W.  THROCKMORTON,f 
CHAS.  K.  GRAHAM,t 
S.  S.  COX.f 


ii6b 


HISTORY    OF   THK    SAtlATOOA    MONl  MKNT    A8HOCIATION. 


Second  Board  of  Trustees — Continued. 


\ 


kA 


I',  i  t     J 

:      \ 


DOUGLAS  CAMPBELL,* 
D.  F.  RITCHIE, 
EDWARD  F.  BULLARD, 
MRS.  E.  H.  WALWORTH, 

D.  A.  BL'LLARD, 
P.  C.  FORD, 

H.  CLAY  HOLMES.t 

C.  W.  MAYHEW, 
STEPHEN  D.  KIRK, 
HORATIO  ROGERS, 
JOEL  MUNSELL.t 
LEMON  THOMPSON, 
J.  MEREDITH  READ, 
J.  V.  L.  PRUYN,t 
HORATIO  SEYMOUR,  Jr.,* 
CHAS.  M.  BLISS, 

GILES  B.  SLOCUM,t 
JAMES  H.  KELLY,* 
WM.  Ji.  BACON,t 
FRANK  PRUYN.t 

E.  W.  B.  CANNING.f 
JAMES  W.  HUSTED, 
E.  R.  MUDGE,t 
WEBSTER  WAGNER,t 

D.  S-  POTTER, 
GEO.  L.  SCHUYLER,t 
PARKER  HANDY,t 

•  Resigned,    t  Deceased. 


JAMES  B.  CAMPBELL,! 

W.  A.  SACKETT, 

GEO.  WM.  CURTIS, 

WM.  L.  STONE,  Jr., 

ISAAC  N.  ARNOLD.t 

CHAS.  S.  LESTER, 

WARNER  MILLER, 

E.  G.  I.APHAM,t 

EDWARD  WEMPLE, 

J    H.  DILLINGHAM,! 

JOHN  SANFORD, 

C.  S.  CLOSSON, 

J.  M.  DAVISON,! 

J.  G.  McNARY, 

JOSEPH  W.  DREXEL,t 

A.  B.  BANCUS, 

A.  R.  N.  McNAIR, 

ELLIOTT  T.  SLOCUM, 

GEO.  S.  BATCHELLER, 

E.  L.  FURSMAN, 

N.  B.  SYLVESTER, 

HOWARD  CARROLL, 

JOHN  FOLEY, 

EDWARD  J.  LOV/ELL, 

AMOS  J.  CUMI.1INGS, 

GEN.  JAMES  GRANT  WILSON, 

MATTHEW  CLARKSON. 


wniwwiiuiiuiMWIi      IHiBBBrita 


SCHUYLERVn.LE 


LSON, 


BBBiaBSBi 


■( 


«  » 


SCHUYLERVILLE 


This  village,  the  Saratoga  of  the 
past,  which  forms  so  important  and 
interesting  a  feature  in  the  Burgoyne 
campaign,  is  beautiful'-  situated  on 
the  right  bank  of  the  <  .son  River, 
aboi.t  thirty-five  mil  s  afcove  Albany 
and  twelve  miles  east  of  Saratoga 
Springs.  The  drive  from  the  latter 
place  is  ovor  a  regular  stage  road,  that 
is  kept  in  good  condition;  a  start  is 
made  through  one  of  the  most  delight- 
ful streets.  Lake  avenue,  and  when 
about  a  mile  out,  a  beautiful  view  of 
the  village  of  Saratoga  Springs  may 
he  seen;  after  a  stretch  of  plain  and 
hill,  as  the  approach  is  made  towards 
the  river  in  the  last  half  of  the  ride, 
fine  views  are  obtained,  and  a  pictur- 
esque farming  country  is  traversed. 
Schuylervillt  lies  on  the  lower  slope 
of  the  historic  heights  of  Old  Sara- 
toga, and  every  foot  of  ground  as  one 
enters  the  village  limits  is  rich  in  in- 
terest, is  thronging  with  memories  of 
the  past. 

Old  Saratoga !  the  great  Indian 
hunting  ground  of  the  seventeenth 
century,  the  great  Indian  patent  of 
the  eighteenth  century,  the  home  of 
the  Christian  Iroquois,  the  outpost 
of  white  civilization,  the  place  of  forts, 
the  scene  of  massacres,  the  birthplace 
of  heroism,  the  hills  of  triumph  ! 
Who  could  fail  to  feel  a  thrill  of  pride 


and  joy,  yet  tremulous  with  rising 
tears,  as  he  stood  on  the  Heights  of 
Old  Saratoga;  old,  indeed,  since  it  has 
nearly  reached  the  second  century  of 
its  existence,  for  "  on  the  second  day 
of  August,  1690,  Saratoga  took  its 
place  among  the  long  list  of  our  coun- 
try's geographical  names."  From 
that  time  it  constantly  appears  in  the 
accounts  of  the  wars  or  the  progres- 
sive settlement  of  the  country.  It  is, 
however,  pre-eminently  important  as 
the  place  of  Burgoyne's  surrender,  the 
last  spot  to  which  his  harrassed,  yet 
sternly  disciplined  army  was  driven; 
the  grcand  upon  which  his  ambitious 
spiiit  succumbed  to  the  inevitable  for- 
tune of  war,  when  he  reluctantly 
called  his  officers  together  and  gave 
his  vote  with  theirs  for  capitulation; 
and  where,  on  a  terrace-like  bluff, 
before  the  assembled  thousands, 
friends  and  foes,  he  yielded  his  sword 
to  General  Gates. 

Here  is  a'so  the  plain,  now  partly 
filled  by  canal  and  basin,  and  marked 
by  the  elm  tree  of  traditional  renown, 
where  the  British  stacked  their  arms. 
Here  also  is  the  site  of  the  Schuyler 
mansion,  which  was  burned  by  Bur- 
goyne's order,  and  where  the  officers 
representing  the  commanders  of  the 
respective  armies  first  met  for  the 
consideration  of  the  terms  of  surren- 


■?JTSr^W*' 


I  20 


8CHUYLEBVILLE. 


m    ) 


\     \ 


0. 


der,  and  near  it  is  the  first  place  of 
meeting  between  B  jrgoyne  and  Gates, 
for  an  interchange  of  the  courtesies 
of  military  life  before  the  final  surren- 
der. The  Schuyler  mansion,  as  re- 
built and  occupied  for  many  years  by 
the  General,  is  scill  standing. 

On  a  pine-crested  hill,  south  of  the 
Fish  Creek,  which  overlooks  the  ceme- 
tery on  the  north  side,  are  the  remains 
of  earthworks.  On  this  hill  Major 
Stevevis  probably  placed  the  artillery 
from  which  were  thrown  the  very 
balls  that  tradition  says  interrupted 
so  rudely  the  dinner  of  Vhe  British 
generals. 

This  cemetery  hill,  stretching  to- 
wards Victory,  was  evidently  that 
strongly  fortified  part  of  the  camp 
indicated  on  the  old  military  mnps  as 
the  position  of  Frazer's  light  rangers, 
and  those  now  living  assisted  in  the 
destruction  of  the  Cv/thworki,  as  de- 
clared in  the  affidavits  below.  A 
drive  from  the  cemetery  along  the 
heights  takes  one  quite  through  the 
site  of  the  British  camp,  and  is  appro- 
priately terminated  at  th  j  Riedesel 
house,  now  owned  by  Mr.  Ma'-shall, 
and  shown  to  visitois  with  great  kind- 
ness and  intelligent  interest.  This 
house  was  '  isited  by  Mr.  Lossing 
nearly  thirty  years  ago,  v;hcn  he 
sketched  the  interior  and  exterior  for 
hjs  Field-Book.  Since  then  the  house 
has  been  remodeled,  but  the  main 
timbers,  and,  in  fact,  all  the  rooms 
remain  as  they  were  in  1777.  The 
rafter  and  base  boards,  through  which 
the  cannon  balls  passed,  have  been 
removed.      They  are    carefully   pre- 


served, and  upon  inspection  will  be 
found  to  authenticate  Madame  Rie- 
desel's  thrilling  account  of  the  days 
spent  in  this  house — seines  that  are 
vividly  recalled  as  one  stands  upon 
the  cellar  floor,  where  her  little  chil- 
dren crouched  in  terror. 

Frcn  '^he  piazza  may  be  seen  the 
hills  3n  the  east  side  of  the  river, 
where  the  American  artillery  was 
posted,  from  which  were  thrown  the 
balls  that  tore  through  the  house. 
The  exact  place  whce  Burgoyne 
crossed  the  river  is  also  in  sight  ;  and 
upon  riding  to  that  spot,  the  river 
bank  will  he  found  cut  away  on  each 
side,  to  facilitate  the  passage  of  the 
army.  A  little  to  the  south  are  the 
hills  on  which  the  Americans,  under 
Fellows,  were  posted. 

Many  places  of  minor  interest  may 
be  visited  at  Schuylerville,  and  the 
tourist  of  leisure  would  be  well  re- 
paid for  a  week  or  more  of  rambling 
and  driving  about  this  lovely  village, 
where  every  comfortable  accommoda- 
tion can  be  found  at  the  Goldsmith 
House,  which  has  also  the  induce- 
ment of  a  good  sulphur  spring  in  its 
grounds. 

The  village  is  quiet  and  quaint,  and 
is  remarkable  for  the  large  number  of 
families  who  have  lived  within  its 
limits  or  neighborhood  for  several  suc- 
cessive generations.  This  fact  gives 
an  unusual  interest  and  authentica- 
tion to  the  traditions  of  the  place. 
The  following  affidavits  were  made 
by  two  of  the  oldest  inhabitants  for 
the  use  of  the  Senate  Committee  hav- 
ing the   Saratoga   Monument  under 


eCHCYLEKVILLB. 


121 


ion  will  be 
idame  Rie- 
)f  the  days 
les  that  are 
lands  upon 
r  little  chil- 

le  seen  the 

the   river, 

tillery    was 

thrown  the 

the  house. 

Burgoyne 

sight  ;  and 

;,  the   river 

my  on  each 

age  of  the 

ith  are  the 

cans,  under 

iterest  may 
le,  and  the 
)e  well  re- 
f  rambling 
ely  village, 
ccommoda- 
Goldsmith 
he  induce- 
jring  in  its 

quaint,  and 
number  of 
within  its 
several  suc- 
fact  gives 
luthentica- 
the  place, 
vere  made 
bitants  for 
nittee  hav- 
ent  under 


consideration  ;    they   are    now    pub- 
lished for  the  first  time.* 


State  of  New  York, 
County  of  Saratoga. 


ss. 


Albert  Clements,  being  duly  sworn, 
deposes  and  says:  I  reside  in  the  town 
of  Saratoga,  in  said  county,  in  the 
vicinity  of  the  village  of  Schuylerville, 
and  have  resided  there  since  the  year 
1789 — am  now  ninety-five  years  of  age. 
I  came  to  this  town  from  Dutchess 
county.  Abraham  Marshall  was  re- 
siding here  then  on  the  farm  now 
occupied  by  his  grandson,  William 
Marshall.  I  heard  him  (Abraham)  say 
that  he  wiinessed  the  surrender  of 
Burgoyne's  army  ;  that  the  British 
army  marched  down  below  the  gravel 
hill  located  on  the  west  side  of  the 
river  road,  south  of  Fish  Creek,  and 
Burgoyne  there  surrendered  his 
sword.  I  have  frequently  heard  sol- 
diers who  were  in  Gates'  army  tell  the 
following  incident:  After  the  retreat 
of  the  British  army  from  Stillwater 
towards  Schuylerville,  the  American 
army  pursued  them  as  far  as  a  hill  on 
the  south  bank  of  Fish  Creek,  nearly 


opposite  the  village  of  Victory,  and 
there  erected  a  battery,  and  fired  their 
guns  towards  the  point  on  the  north 
side  of  the  creek,  where  Burgoyne 
happe:!ed  to  be  at  the  table  eating, 
and  a  ball  came  on  the  table  and 
knocked  off  a  leg  of  mutton. 

I  remember,  when  I  was  a  boy,  of 
seeing  breastworks  extending  as  much 
as  a  quarter  of  a  mile  in  length  along 
the  hill  where  Prospect  Hill  Cemetery 
now  is  located,  in  the  direction  of  the 
road  just  west  of  the  cemetery.  I 
assisted  in  tearing  them  down.  They 
were  made  of  pine  log.,  and  earth.  I 
ploughed  up  a  cartridge  box  contain- 
ing about  sixty  musket  balls. 

I  remember  the  old  Dutch  Church, 
which  stood  on  the  south  side  of  the 
road  now  running  from  the  river  road 
to  Victory ;  I  frequently  attended 
meeting  there.  It  was  a  wooden 
structure,  heavy  timbers  and  clap- 
boarded. 

There  were  no  other  buildings  on 
the  south  side  of  the  creek  except 
General  Schuyler's  mansion,  and  only 
two  on  the  north  side  at  that  time. 

I  visited   General  Schuyler's  man- 


*  I  have  had  the  pleasure  of  conversing  with  these  old  men,  and  can  bear  witness  to  the  clearness  and 
readiness  of  their  memory. 

Mr.  Clements  is  exceedingly  interesting,  and  a  man  of  some  attai.nmcnts.  He  has  been  a  civil  engineer,  and 
told  me  that  he  had  surveyed  the  first  lots  that  were  laid  out  in  Schuylerville,  Philip  Schuyler,  grandson  of  the 
General,  and  Mr.  Beadle,  who  afterwards  laid  out  the  village  of  West  Troy,  carrying  the  chain.  Mr.  Clements 
also  said  he  had  made  the  survey  that  settled  the  disputed  line  between  the  towns  of  Northumberland  and  Sara- 
toga, jnd  a  curious  incident  enabled  him  to  verify  his  work.  He  found  the  old  survey  mark  in  a  log  of  yellow 
pine  (known  to  be  very  durable)  under  ground,  and  corresponding  with  his  own  lines. 

Mr.  McCreedy  is  one  of  four  generations  who  have  fought  in  the  various  wars  of  the  country.  His  father 
and  grandfather  were  in  the  battles  of  Saratoga;  he  fought  in  the  battle  of  Plattsburgh  in  the  war  of  i8ia, 
and  his  son  took  an  active  part  in  the  late  war.  His  wife,  who  is  near  his  own  age,  and  has  lived  with  him 
sixty  years,  is  a  very  bright  old  lady.  She  gives  a  vivid  account  of  a  Fourth  of  July  celebration  that  took  place  at 
Schuylerville  fifty-five  years  ago,  when  the  veterans  of  the  revolution  had  a  banquet  spread  for  them  on  the  plain 
before  Fort  Hardy,  where  the  British  stacked  their  arms.  She  says  the  old  men  were  very  spry  on  that  day,  and 
that  there  was  then  assembled  the  largest  crowd  of  people  ever  gathered  at  Schuylerville. 

E.  H.  W. 


R 

F^^ 

f 

1"' 

I 

■i.   i  1 

122 


SOHtJYLERVILLE. 


i    \ 


sion  when  he  was  there  ;  I  saw  him 
signing  deeds  or  leases. 

Albert  Clements. 

Sworn  to  before  me,  April  13th,  1877. 
S.  Wells,  Notary  Public. 


State  of  New  York,  ) 
Saratoga  County.      J 

William  H.  McCreedy,  being  duly 
sworn,  deposes  and  says:  I  am  eighty- 
six  years  of  age,  now  reside  in  the 
village  of  Schuylerville,  in  said  coun- 
ty, and  have  there  resided  for  over 
sixty  years  past.  I  remember  of 
hearing  my  father  and  grandfather, 
who  were  both  in  Gates'  army,  say  : 
that  they  witnessed  Burgoyne's  sur- 
render ;  that  the  terms  of  the  sur- 
render were  signed  under  the  elm 
tree  now  standing  on  the  east  side  of 
Broad  street,  in  Schuylerville,  between 
the  feed  store  of  Simon  Sheldon  and 
the  blacksmith's  shop  adjoining  on 
the  south;  and  that  the  British  army 
marched  down  the  river  road  just 
below  Gravel  Hill,  south  of  Fish 
Creek,  and  surrendered. 


I  remember  seeing  breastworks,  ex- 
tending north  and  south,  on  the  river 
flats,  between  the  village  and  the 
river.  I  dug  up  five  cannon  balls 
there  some  fifty  years  ago.  I  visited 
old  General  Schuyler  at  his  mansion 
several  times.  I  dined  there  on  one 
occasion;  and  after  finishing  my  meal, 
the  old  General  asked  me  if  I  had 
eaten  enough.  I  answered  that  I  had 
all  that  I  wani.ed,  and  he  replied:  "  If 
you  have,  knock  out  your  teeth." 

My  grandfather,  Charles  McCreedy, 
and  father,  James  McCreedy,  were  both 
in  the  engagements  fought  at  Bemis' 
Heights,  September  19th  and  October 
"•  '777-  They  told  me  that  General 
*  -  :■■  .es'  headquarters  were  south  of  the 
old  Dutch  Church,  and  were  present 
at  the  surrender ;  and  that  the  old 
turnpike  road  was  about  where  the 
canal  now  is. 

William  H.  McCreedv. 

Sworn  before  me,  April  13th,  1877. 
S.  Wells,  Notary  Public. 


4, 


4.      /■.       •><»    a^ 


eastworks,  ex- 

h,  on  the  river 

lage   and   the 

cannon   balls 

igo.     I  visited 

t  his  mansion 

there  on  one 

hing  my  meal, 

me   if  I  had 

red  that  I  had 

e  replied:  "  If 

ir  teeth." 

les  McCreedy, 

idy,  were  both 

jht  at  Bemis' 

I  and  October 

that  General 

e  south  of  the 

were  present 

that  the  old 

ut  where  the 

McCreedy. 

-il  13th,  1877. 
iry  Public. 


GUIDE 


TO 


THE  BATTLE  GROUND  AND  SCHUYLERVILLE 


■^\ 


ts^p^iimmM 


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GUIDE  TO  THE  BATTLE  GROUND 


(Nine  miles  southeast).     See  Map  of  the 

Third  Period  of  Burgoyne's  Campaign; 

also  Map  of  Drives.) 

The  Battle  Ground  proper  is  about 
nine  miles  from  Saratoga  Springs;  but 
to  drive  there,  around  and  through  all 
the  interesting  spots  and  back  again, 
makes  a  drive  of  about  twenty -four 
miles.  Taken  leisurely,  it  is  a  delightful 
day's  expedition.  Having  ordered  a 
carriage,  or,  for  a  large  party,  chartered 
an  omnibus,  and  prepared  a  lunch  to  be 
eaten  at  some  historic  spot — either  in  the 
British  Camp  near  Freeman's  Farm,  at 
Gates'  Headquarters  near  the  Neilson 
House,  or  at  Wilbur's  Basin  down  by  the 
river — leave  the  village  at  eight  or  nine 
o'clock  in  the  morning,  expecting  to  re- 
turn at  five  or  six  o'clock  in  the  after- 
noon. 

Drive  out  Union  Avenue  to  the  Lake, 
down  the  hill  behind  Moon's  to  the 
Tolime's  House,  crots  the  bridge,  and  fol- 
low the  road  along  the  Lake  shore,  about 
a  mile  and  a  half,  to  Myer's  Cedar  Bluff 
Hotel.  Here  take  the  first  left  hand 
road,  and  drive  up  Caldwell's  Hill,  from 
which  there  is  a  view  similar  to  that  from 
Chapman's  Hill.  Take  the  second  left 
hand  road,  which  turns  off  between  an 
orchard  and  a  little  cemetery,  and  enters 
a  pleasant  wood.  Keep  first  to  the  right 
and  ther  to  the  left.  On  emerging  from 
the  woods,  drive  straight  on  past  a  small 
red  school-house,  and  up  Summit  Hill, 
the  highest  point  on  the  drive,  from  which 
there  is  a  splendid  view  in  every  direc- 
tion.    Standing  out  prominently  on  the 


eastern  bank  of  the  Hudson,  Willard's 
Mountain,  from  which  the  Americans 
looked  into  the  British  camp  at  Sword's 
House,  is  seen,  and  remains  in  sight  dur- 
ing the  drive  over  the  Battle  Ground. 
From  here  a  cross-road  is  passed,  and 
the  road  skirts  a  rounded,  pine-crowned 
hill,  at  the  foot  of  which  it  turns  sharply 
to  the  right,  and  reaches  the  highway  to 
Quaker  Springs.  Here  turn  to  the  right 
again  near  the  Quaker  Meeting  House, 
and  keep  to  the  left  where  the  road  forks. 
From  the  moment  the  Quaker  Meet- 
ing House  is  reached,  one  is  on  historic 
ground.  Frazer's  march  through  the 
woods  to  the  first  fight  was  about  where 
the  road  now  is.  At  a  »h<y/t  distance 
Breyman'»  Hill  (the  HcMian  Camp, 
where  Breyman  was  killed  and  Arnold 
wounded),  a  rounded  eminence,  covered 
with  small  trees,  is  seen  to  the  left.  At 
the  first  cross-road  turn  to  the  left,  and 
the  first  farm  ho>**e  on  the  right,  which 
is  now  occupied  by  Mr.  Brightman, 
stands  on  the  old  revolutionary  clearing 
of  "Freeman's  Farm,"  around  which 
raged  the  fury  of  both  battles.  Some 
interesting  relics,  dug  up  in  the  neij^- 
borhood,  are  shown  here,  and  the  old 
well  is  pointed  out,  for  the  possession  of 
which  the  British  and  American  soldiers 
fought  fiercely  on  the  19th  of  September 
In  the  woods  just  across  the  road  from 
"  Freeman's  Farm "  is  an  old  graded 
road,  made  by  Burgoyn#  to  bring  his 
rannon  across  the  ravine  (/»tel/  the 
iiiuiffft  has  b«en  rebutk,  and  nom  farm 
wagons  travel  in  the  ruts  of  the  old  can- 


I: 


( 

I 


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V 


■i 


f  n 


t26 


GUIDE  TO  THE  UATTLK  ORODND. 


non  wheels.  From  Breyman's  Hill, 
which  still  retains  faint  traces  of  en- 
trenchments and  an  old  road,  and 
which  may  be  reached  by  a  walk  over 
the  fields,  one  can  get  a  good  view  of 
the  ravines  in  the  rear  of  the  British 
Camp,  and  the  battle  field  of  October 
7th,  stretching  off  to  the  south  and 
west.  On  Bemis'  Heights,  about  two 
miles  south,  is  seen  the  Neilson 
House,  near  a  poplar  tree.  This  stood 
in  the  American  Camp. 

On  Breyman's  Hill  will  be  found 
the  beautiful  marble  tablet  erected  to 
mark  this  interesting  spot,  and  on 
Freeman's  farm'  will  be  seen  the 
solid  granite  tablet  which  marks  the 
buttle  of  September  19th,  and  also 
the  tablet  which  commemorates  the 
taking  ot  Balcarras'  Redoubt  and 
the  distinguished  services  of  Col. 
John   Hardin. 

From  Freeman's  farm  return  to  the 
main  road,  and  driving  south  there 
will  be  seen  on  the  right  side  of  the 
road  the  tablet  which  marks  the  spot 
where  Frazer  fell ;  a  few  rods  farther 
on  the  left  is  the  tablet  that  stands 
on  the  position  taken  by  the  British 
in  their  line  of  battle ;  still  onward, 
down  the  hill,  will  be  found  a  tablet 
whh  ll  marks  the  great  ravine  where 
the  tide  of  battle  iwayed  back  and 
forth. 

Driving  on  to  the  first  turn  to  the 
east  brings  one  to  t)je  foot  of  Mor- 
gan's hill,  whe.'^e  ffie  Morgan  tablet 
tells  its  own  story.  Following  east- 
ward lip  the  hoightH  bringti  nue.  in 
Fort  Neilsun,  with  its  handsome  tab- 
let commemorating  this  point  of 
defence,  and  the  headquarters  0/  pool 


and  Morgan.  Here  the  road  turns 
sharply  to  the  south  for  a  short  dis- 
tance, and  again  east,  where  another 
tablet  marks  the  headquarters  of 
General  Gates  ;  then  going  onward 
alorg  the  heights  there  is  soon  a 
gradual  descent  to  the  river,  where 
the  present  Bemis'  Heights  Tavern  is 
located,  and  near  which  will  be  found 
the  tablet  that  marks  the  sight  of  the 
Revolutionary  building.  North  on 
the  river  road,  will  be  seen  a  tablet 
marking  the  river  defences,  and  far- 
ther on  the  tablet  which  indicates  the 
most  advanced  entrenchments  of  the 
Americans  and  comm-^morates  the  ser- 
vices of  Col.  Nicholas  Fish  ;  continue 
on  to  the  Ensign  farm,  near  which 
are  tlie  three  high  hills  entrenched 
by  the  British,  the  largest  of  which 
was  the  Great  Redoubt  where  General 
Frazer  was  buried,  while  under  these 
redoubts  the  whole  British  Army  was 
crowded  during  October  8th,  and  here 
were  their  hospitals.  A  tablet  marks 
this  interesting  spot. 

The  drlvR  over  historic  ground 
may  now  be  completed  by  going  up 
the  heights  through  the  scene  of 
Burgoyne's  camp.  The  main  road 
is  reached  at  the  Leggett  farm,  and 
a  turn  to  the  left  will  bring  you 
again  on  the  road  to  Saratoga. 

The  Round  Trip  to  Bemis'  Heights 
AND  8L»M/vi,eRviLLB.    Af(«r  driving 
out  to  the  Battle  Ground  and   visit- 
ing   the    various     spots     mentioned 
I  iiiHtPBci  III  n'tnrniug  to  Sara- 

('(nii  riiiiings,  drivt  .///  ihe  river  tnuii 
to  Sfc'liuyliivlllp  Alonjr  'his  road 
the    British    army    lit-  tti   Ihe 

liflttle  Ground  and  retreaicj  In  Iht 


GUIDE  TO  THE  BATTLE  GROUND 


13/ 


road  turns 
a  short  dis- 
lere  another 
:iuarters  of 
ing  onward 
'  is  soon  a 
iver,  where 
:s  Tavern  is 
ill  be  found 
sight  of  the 

North  on 
:en  a  tablet 
;s,  and  far- 
idicates  the 
ents  of  the 
itestheser- 

;  continue 
lear  which 
entrenched 
t  of  which 
re  General 
nder  these 
Army  was 
h,  and  here 
blet  marks 

c  ground 
going  up 
scene  of 
nain  road 
farm,  and 
ning   you 

'  Heights 
'  driving 
iiid  vlsit- 
lentioned 
to  8a  ra- 
iver  tfmii 
f)is  load 
I  III  the 
d  to  HfB 


Place  of  Surrender,  halting  each  time  at 
Dovegat  or  Coveville.  Spend  the  night 
at  the  Goldsmith  House  in  Schuylerville, 
and  return  to  Saratoga  Springs  the  next 
day,  visiting  in  the  meantime  all  the  his- 
toric spots  at  Old  Saratoga.  Omnibuses 
may  be  chartered  for  this  trip. 

Guide  to  Schuylerville.  (Twelve 
miles  east.)  The  regular  stage  road  to 
Schuylerville  leaves  Broadway,  Saratoga 
Springs,  at  ]<ake  avenue,  passes  Free- 
man's Hotel  without  turning,  and  con- 
tinues along  the  north  side  of  Fish 
Creek  to  Grangerville.  Here  it  crosses 
a  bridge  and  turns  south,  passes  a  cross 
road,  turns  to  the  left,  crosses  the  creek 
again  and  then  goes  direct  through  Vic- 
tory to  Schuylerville.  Fish  Creek  may 
be  crossed  either  at  Stafford's  or  Bryan's 
Bridge,  and  the  drive  continued  along 
the  south  side  of  the  creek  through  a 
fine  farming  region  to  Schuylerville. 
(See  Map  of  Drives.)  The  principal 
thoroughfare  in  this  village  is  Broad 
street,  running  parallel  with  the  river. 
An  old  Elm  is  shown,  between  whi( ' 
and  Fort  Hardy  the  Britisli  laid  down 
llieii  miiiH  VUv  Milt*  (if  Van  Hardy  is 
on  the  plain  near  the  canal  basin,  reach- 
ed from  Perry  street,  prive  out  Broad 
street  to  the  Fishkill.  tIh;  old  (01  (J  across 
the  creek  is  said  to  have  been  at  the  first 
bend  below  the  rondern  bridge.  The 
Schuyler  mansion,  iimv  ful.  Htover's,  js 
seen  to  the  left  after  crossing  the  creek. 
A  few  rods  beyond  is  the  site  of  the  old 
mansion  buiiit  by  Burgoyne.  A  gravel 
hill  to  the  right  is  where  |,ovelace,  the 
Tory,  was  executed.  A  little  beyond 
this  is  the  spot  where  Gates  and  Bur- 
goyne met  for  the  first  time.  About 
where  the  road  to  Victory  leaves  the  river 


road  stood  tlie  old  Dutch  Church.  A 
few  rods  further  on  is  the  bluff 
upon  which  it  is  probable  that 
Gates'  marquee  stood,  in  front  of 
which  Burgoyne  surrendered  his  sword. 
The  house  which  was  used  as  headquar- 
ters by  Gates  formerly  stood  some  dis- 
tance south  of  this  bluff.  The  house  in 
which  Madam  Riedesel  remained  during 
the  c  inonade  is  a  mile  north  of  the 
village.  After  leaving  this  house,  drive 
towards  the  village,  and  take  the  first 
road  to  the  right,  which  passes  the  Welch 
place,  upon  which  there  were  remains  of 
old  barracks  a  few  years  ago.  To  ob- 
tain a  fine  view  of  Burgoyne's  position 
here,  follow  this  road  to  the  summit  of 
the  Heights,  and  then  turn  to  the  left, 
driving  to  Victory  along  the  ridge  of  the 
Heights,  upon  which  the  British  Camp 
was  posted  until  the  time  of  the  sur- 
render. The  Germans,  under  Riedesel 
and  Hanau,  were  encamped  to  the  north; 
the  British  regulars  extended  beyond  the 
new  cemetery  to  a  strongly  fortified  hill 
just  back  ol  Victory,  which  formed  the 
south-western  part  of  the  camp,  and  the 
Canadians  were  stationed  at  the  western 
out|j'ist8i  while  Morgan's  corps,  under 
covi  r  of  the  woods,  hemmed  them  in  to 
the  north-west.  (See  Map  of  T  hird  Pe- 
riod of   Burgoyne's  Campaign  ) 

A  monument,  located  on  the  summit 
of  these  Heights,  would  have  an  impos- 
ing uppeuttllii  0,  and  would  be  discern- 
ible at  a  great  distance  from  muny  di- 
rections. 

Bennington.  J'he  Hattle  Ground  of 
Bennington  can  be  ii^»  jicd  from  Schuy- 
lerville by  a  drive  of  five  millas  t\u»H§h 
a  beautiful  region  to  Greenwich  or  tluUm 
Village,  and  thence  by  rail  to  Beofiingtoa 


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KEY  TO  THE  MAP  OF  THE  THIRD  PERIOD  OF  BURGOYNB'S 

CAMPAIGN,  1777 


The    March.     The    military    move- 
ments  may  be  easily  followed  on   this 
map  by  starting  with  the  line  of  march 
of  Burgoyne's  army  where  it  crosses  the 
Hudson  river  on  the  bridge  of   boats, 
above  the  Batten  Kill;  follow  to  the  first 
encampment  at  Saratoga,  the  second  at 
Coveville,  the  third  at  Swords  House. 
From  this  place  began  the  march  to  at- 
tack   the    American    camp    posted    on 
Bemis'   Heights,  and  which  resulted  in 
the    battle    of     September    19th.     The 
march  is  in  three  columns,  indicated  by 
three  colored  lines;  lollow  two  of  these 
columns  to  Freeman's  Farm. 

Battle  OF  September  19TH.  Leave 
the  large  map  and  trace  the  battle  in  the 
smaller  division  marked  Battle  of  Sep- 
tember 19th.  In  the  first  position  it  will 
be  seen  that  Riedesel's  corps  (green)  has 
not  yet  reached  the  field;  the  Canadians 
are  in  advance,  pushed  by  the  Ameri- 
cans (yellow);  the  British  columns  are 
breaking  up  to  form  in  line  of  battle. 

In  the  second  position  Canadians 
are  driven  back,  British  regulars  (red) 
are  in  action,  the  light  artillery  are  on 
Burgoyne's  hill  (marked  Breyman's 
camp). 

In  the  third  position  may  be  seen  the 
onset  of  the  Americans ;  Riedesel 
comes  into  action;  British  and  Hessian 
grenadiers  are  drawing  up  in  lines,  Amer- 
icans are  resisting  this. 

In  the  fourth  position  the  British  lines 
are  unbroken,  the  Americans  are  pushed 
towards  their  entrenchments. 


The  Camps.  Refer  again  to  the  large 
map  and  find  the  British  camp  estab- 
lished on  the  field  of  September  19th; 
Freeman's  Farm  and  Burgoyne's  Hill 
(marked  Breyman's  camp)  being  within 
the  entrenchments,  which  extend  to  the 
river,  where  the  hills  are  fortified  with 
redoubts,  and  the  hospital,  artillery 
stores  and  batteaux  are  covered  by  a 
strong  battery,  near  which  is  the  bridge 

of  boats. 

The  defences  of  the  American  ^nA 
British  camps,  which  lay  within  two  miles 
of  each  other  from  September  19th  to 
October  7  th  are  readily  traced  by  follow- 
ing the  course  of  the  streams  in  the 
front  and  rear  of  the  camps;  these  in- 
dicate ravines  that   deepen  toward  the 

river, 

Battle  of  October  7TH.     In  trac- 
ing this  action  observe  the  British  and 
Hessians  drawn  up  in    line  of    battle 
southwest  of   their  camp,  with  Frazer's 
light  infantry  on  the  right,  the  Hessians 
in  the  centre  and  the  British  grenadiers 
on  the  left.     The   Americans   are   seen 
pouring  from  their  camp  in  three  main 
columns.     Next  observe  Frazer's  second 
position  to  cover  the  retreat  into  the  en- 
trenchments; this  position  he  never  fully 
obtained,  being  wounded,  and  his  troops 
thrown  in  confusion  in  the  act  of  taking 
it.     Balcarras'  camp  was  next  stormed; 
Williams'  artillery  having  been  captured, 
and  the  grenadiers  being  driven  within 
the  works,  along  which  the  battle  raged, 
Breyman's  camp,  the  final  point  of  at- 


'i,;. 


1^^ 


130 


KEY  TO  THE  MAP 


tack,  was  captured;  this  being,  as  is  read- 
ily seen,  the  keystone  of  Butjjoye's  en- 
camped position. 

Position  on  the  Morning  of  Oc- 
tober 8th,  Refer  to  the  small  map 
marked  "Position  on  the  Morning  of 
October  8th."  The  British  will  be  found 
crowded  down  by  the  river  near  the  hos- 
pital and  batteaux,  the  Americans  close 
upon  them.  While  in  this  position  the 
funeral  of  Frazer  took  place  on  the  great 
redoubt. 

The  Retreat.  This  will  be  traced 
along  the  river  road  to  Coveville,  where 
a  halt  was  made;  thence  to  Saratoga  and 
across  the  Fish  Kill. 

Camp  on  the  Heights  of  Sarato- 
ga.    It  will  be  seen  at  this  point  that 


the  British  were  strongly  posted;  the 
Americans  will  be  found  surrounding 
them  on  every  side. 

The  Surrender.  The  place  where 
the  British  stacked  their  arms  is  indicat- 
ed on  the  plain  near  Fort  Hardy  ;  the 
spot  where  Burgoyne  surrendered  his 
sword  to  Gates  is  a  short  distance  below 
the  church,  which  is  south  of  the  Fish 
Kill,  on  the  river  road. 

Opposite  the  Batten  Kill  two  houses 
are  indicated  by  dark  spots  on  the  map, 
on  each  side  of  the  road  to  Fort  Miller; 
the  most  northerly  is  the  one  in  which 
the  Baroness  Reidesel  took  refuge.  It 
was  commanded  by  the  guns  seen  on  the 
hills  north  of  the  Batten  Kill,  from  which 
shot  was  thrown  into  the  houses. 


9 


A  VISIT  TO  THE  BATTLE  GROUND 


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A  VISIT  TO  THE  BATTLE  GROUND 


51  m 

IT  7?- 

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a    I 


I. 

"America  is  the  Old  rather  than  the 
New  World,  being  the  first-bom  among 
the  continents; "  when 

"  Earth  was  young  and  keeping  holiday- 
Monster  fishes  swam  the  silent  main, 
Stately  forests  waved  their  giant  branches, 
Mountains  hurled  their  snowy  avalanches, 
Mammoth  creatures  stalked  across  the  plain." 


It  is  a  pleasant  morning  late  in  June. 
One  of  those  ineffable  days  that  belong 
to  this  month  in  the  region  of  country 
lying  along  the  south-eastern  foot  of  the 
Adirondacks;  that  "  angle  between  the 
great  northern  and  western  war-paths  " 
of  the  past  that  followed  "  the  encircling 
chain  of  almost  a  thousand  miles  of  liv- 
ing waters  that  surround  Northern  New 
York."    In  this  atmosphere  are  combined 
the  freshness  of  the  mountains,  the  mel- 
lowness of  the  plains,  the  healthfulness 
of  the  pines.     In  the  heart  of  this  region, 
on  the  edge  of  the  Laurentian  rocks  of 
the  world's  first  continent,  sits  the  village 
of  Saratoga  Springs,  drawing  to  herself, 
magnet-like,  the  men  and  women  of  many 
nations;  attracting  them  by  various  prop- 
erties, yet  pouring  forth  to  all  alike  the 
treasures  of  her  wonderful  chemical  lab- 
oratory, and  clothing  all  in  new  vigor 
with  her  mountain-freighted  atmosphere. 
On  the  western  piazza  of  one  of  her 
famous  hotels,  the   United   States,  are 
numerous  groups  of  visitors.     Miss  Kate 
Van  Eyck,  a  blooming  blonde  of  twenty; 

Miss  Pelham,  her  young  friend,  graceful 


and  fashionable,  recently  returned  from 
Europe;  and  Mrs.  Harris,  a  middle- 
aged,  youthful  looking  widow,  sit  loung- 
ingly  near  the  piazza  railing,  their  books 
and  fancy-work  lying  neglected  in  their 
laps.  Mr.  Winship,  a  young  lawyer 
from  Boston,  enjoying  his  short  vacation, 
leans  against  a  column,  gazing  absently 
at  Miss  Van  Eyck;  Judge  Van  Eyck, 
her  father,  "  a  true  Knickerbocker  in  the 
fullest  sense  of  the  word,"  approaches 
with  a  firm,  even  tread,  suggestive  of  dig- 
nity, self-reliance,  and  exactness  of  char- 
acter. 

Judge  Van  Eyck,  as  he  draws  up  a 
chair  and  sits  down:  "Well,  la<'.ies,  do 
we  go  the  battle-field  to-day?  it  is  a  glo- 
rious morning,  and  I  am  already  inspired 
with  some  patriotic  emotions.  I  find 
there  is  nothing  like  a  little  leisure  to 
allow  the  sentiments  to  expand — with 
the  help  of  an  entertaining  book.  I 
must  thank  you,  Mrs.  Harris,  for  my  re- 
awakened interest  in  the  glories  of  my 
country." 

Mrs.  Harris:  "How  is  that,  Judge; 
was  it  the  shabbv  little  volume  I  loaned 
you  yesterday  ? " 

Judge  Van  Eyck:  "Yes;  I  always  find 
these  impromptu  journals  of  army  offi- 
cers the  most  delightful  kind  of  history. 
They  photograph  the  scene  on  the  spot, 
quite  a  different  process  from  your  ela- 
borate painting,  such  as  the  historian  of 
the  future  gives,  filled  with  imaginary 
figures,  and  diffused  with  an  atmosphere 
of  his  own  ideas  and  opinions.     It  is  re- 


i 


T34 


A  VTSIT  TO  THE  BATTTR  ORDTTVO 


'    11 


II 


lll.) 


u 


freshingly  real  to  find  these  young  Eng- 
lish lords  of  '76,  Captains  and  Lieuten- 
ants, calling  us  rebels,  and  predicting 
our  speedy  annihilation." 

Mrs.  Harris:  "  Some  of  vH'-  n  were  un- 
consciously elegant  writeis;  but  have 
you  read  any  of  the  journals  and  travels 
written  by  Hessian  officers  who  were  with 
the  British  army  ?  They  are  charming; 
the  simplicity,  qurintness  and  truth  with 
which  they  describe  the  country  and  th:; 
people  are  incomparable." 

Miss  Van  Eyck:  "O,  Mrs.  Harris!  do 
tell  father  that  delightful  story  about  the 
German  poet." 

Mr.  Winship,  drawing  near:  "What 
do  I  hear  about  a  poet,  Miss  Van  Eyck?" 

Miss  Pelham:  ''Of  course  Kate  has 
found  a  poetic  element  in  the  subject 
under  discussion;  she  is  so  romantic." 

Mr.  Winship:  "  I  am  glad  to  hear  Miss 
Van  Eyck  is  romantic.  I  thought  her 
eminently  practical." 

Miss  Van  Eyck:  "I  protest  against 
being  discussed  before  my  face,  and  if 
we  arc  going  to  the  battle  field,  we  had 
better  start;  but  I  don't  want  to  go  to 
day.  I  thought  I  knew  all  about  the 
battle  of  Saratoga,  and  I  have  just  dis- 
covered that  I  know  nothing.  Mrs. 
Harris  is  a  perfect  encyclopedia,  and  I 
know  she  will  tell  me  all  about  it,  if  we 
wait  ,1  few  days;  won't  you,  Mrs.  Harris  ? 
Why  should  we  hurry,  father  .'  ' 

Judge  Van  Eyck :  "I  am  in  no 
hurry,  Kate  ;  you  know  I  promised  that 
while  here  I  would  obey  you  orders, 
but  the  other  ladies  may  prefer  to  go 
now  ;  decide  it  among  yourselves." 

Miss  Pelham  :  "  Dear  me,  Kate  ;  you 
do  not  expect  to  know  all  the  history 
and  details  concerning  places  you  visit. 


do  you  .'  I  tried  the  guide-books  in 
Europe,  and  found  them  detestable.  I 
think  if  you  have  a  general  idea  that 
something  wonderful  has  happened  at  « 
place,  that  is  sufficient  to  excite  an  agree- 
able interest.  It's  an  awful  drag  to  try 
to  remember  the  names  of  kings  and 
generals  who  were  on  this  side,  and  who 
on  that — it  interferes  with  the  sentiment ; 
now  you  like  sentiment,  why  bother 
about  facts." 

Miss  Van  Eyck :  "  Which  means,  I 
suppose,  that  you  do  not  wish  our  trip 
deferred." 

Miss  Pelham  :  "  O  no,  not  at  all ;  one 
day  will  suit  me  as  well  as  another,  but  I 
am  thinking  how  I  will  dispose  of  the 
time  while  you  and  Mrs.  Harris  are  talk- 
ing history.  I  must  go  in  search  of  a 
new  novel." 

Mrs.  Harris  :  "  You  forget.  Miss  Fan- 
ny, that  I  have  made  no  promise  yet, 
and  Kate's  jest  about  my  knowledge  is 
no  guarantee  that  I  have  the  information 
necessary  to  bore  you.  I  do  not  half 
believe  in  your  avowed  preference  for 
ignorance,  however,  and  I  have  no  doubt 
but  you  will  assist  in  recalling  the  men 
and  events  that  give  historic  interest  to 
the  old  battle  ground." 

Miss  Van  Eyck  :  "  What  was  the  name 
of  that  German  officer  you  were  telling 
me  about  ?  " 

Mrs.  Harris  :  **  His  name  was  Seume, 
and  he  was  not  an  officer,  which  gives 
additional  interest  to  iiis  trials  and  hard- 
ships ;  he  bore  the.n  with  philosophical 
endurance,  or  rather  an  easy  indiffer- 
ence. His  comrades,  the  German  com- 
mon soldiers,  employed  by  the  British, 
were  ignorant,  coarse  and  degraded, 
mere  slaves  of  the  petty  despots  who 


5-     rf. 


M 


A   VISIT  TO  THE  BATTLE  GROUND 


135 


ruled  them  ;  yet  there  must  undoubt- 
edly have  been  an  occasional  individual 
like  Scume  himself,  who  possessed  edu- 
cation and  refinement.  The  officers 
were  entirely  of  this  <  lass,  and  more  than 
that,  they  all  belonged  to  the  nobility, 
and  were  among  the  most  accomplished 
gentlemen  of  Kurojje." 

Mr.  Winship:  "Why,  Mrs.  Harris! 
you  astonish  me  ;  are  you  not  mi-taken  ? 
Surely  the  Hessians  employed  against 
us  were  universally  a  gross,  thieving,  de- 
graded set  of  wretches.  I  did  not  sup- 
pose a  word  could  be  said  in  their  favor. 
Even  their  own  countryman,  Frederick 
the  Great,  taxed  them  like  so  many  head 
of  cattle  for  the  privilege  of  passing  over 
his  territory.  Certainly,  he  intended  by 
this  to  show  hi',  disgust  for  the  enter- 
prise in  v/hich  they  were  engaged,  and 
his  cohtenpt  for  their  rulers." 

Judge  Van  Eyck  :  "  I  fear  we  can- 
not give  Frederick  credit  for  these 
noble  sentiments.  He  was  the  last 
man  likely  to  sympathize  with  the  cause 
for  which  the  Americans  contended. 
He  was  simply  angry  and  jealous  that 
the  troops  he  had  been  in  the  habit  of 
hiring  for  his  own  purposes,  for  a  trifling 
sum  of  money,  were  now  let  out  at  a 
high  price,  thus  raising  their  market 
value,  and  he  determined  to  appropriate 
a  part  of  the  profit  to  himself." 

Mr.  Winship  :  "  Really,  one  is  tempted 
to  throw  all  histories  into  the  fire,  when 
discovering  the  false  impressions  receiv- 
ed from  them.  I  begin  to  think  that  it 
is  not  worth  while  to  read  history  at  all. 
I  believe  I  have  never  felt  my  sympa- 
thies and  opinions  fully  in  accord  with 
people  or  events  in  the  past,  that  I  have 


not  afterward  had  my  whole  theory 
about  them  upset,  and  my  facts  ques- 
tioned." 

Judge  Van  Eyck  :  "  Yes,  sir  ;  you  will 
generally  find  this  to  be  the  case,  which 
only  proves  that  we  have  no  right  to 
theories  or  feelings  in  regard  to  histori- 
cal persons  and  events.  We  must  sift 
out  the  fncts  an  weU  as  we  can,  and  look 
upon  them  as  abstract  facts  alone." 

Miss  Van  Eyck  :  "  Indeed,  father,  you 
know  that  cannot  be  done — and  that  you 
certainly  do  not  do  it ;  you  have  the 
strongest  kind  of  likes  and  dislikes.  You 
must  remember  how  you  defend  Gen. 
Schuyler  ;  and  as  to  Gen.  Gates,  I  think 
you  talk  dreadfully  about  him,  consider- 
ing he  was  one  of  the  Revolutionary 
heroes." 

Mrs.  Harris  :  "  You  are  all  wandering 
very  far  away  from  my  young  German 
student,  although  I  find  I  have  really 
very  little  to  tell  you  about  him.  He 
was  a  youth  of  brilliant  poetic  talent, 
and  an  eager  student ;  was  on  his  way 
from  the  university  at  Leipsic,  to  Paris, 
where  he  would  soon  complete  his 
course  of  study,  when  he  was  suddenly 
seized  by  a  recruiting  officer,  and  driven 
like  a  slave  to  the  nearest  military 
post.  Yet  so  little  idea  had  the  men 
of  that  time  of  their  individual  rights, 
that  it  does  not  seem  to  have  occur- 
red to  him  to  make  even  a  protest 
against  such  an  outrage.  Imagine  an 
ardent,  refined  young  man  forced  from 
place  to  place,  and  finally  plunged  into 
the  depths  of  one  of  those  horrible 
ships  that  transported  the  German  troops 
from  England  to  Canada.  Their  Land- 
grave sent  them  to  England,  almost  des- 


» 


i.    . 


136 


A  VISIT  TO  THE  BATTLE  GROUND 


titute  of  clothing  ;  contracts  were  made 
with  Englishmen  to  supply  them,  and  the 
boxes  of  clothing  were  not  opened  until 
the  ships  had  sailed,  when  it  was  discov- 
ered that  much  of  it  was  utterly  worth- 
less— some  of  th*;  cases  contained  ladies' 
shoes,  and  other  things  equally  appropri- 
ate." 

Miss  Pelham:  "  O,  let  us  suppose  that 
the  dainty  young  poet  could  wear  a  pair 
»  '  the  ladies'  shoes — who  knows  but  Le 
may  have  had  a  mantilla  and  parasol, 
too  !  " 

Mr.  Winship:  "Why,  yes;  what  an  al- 
leviation of  his  sufferings.  If  he  could 
not  wear  thetn,  he  could  hang  them  up, 
and  apostrophize  them  in  melodious 
lines." 

l^'rs  Van  Eyck:  "I  thi  k  you  are 
most  unfeeling  to  ridicule  a  man  in  such 
a  position.  I  suppose  the  poor  fellow 
had  not  even  a  book  to  distract  his  mind 
from  his  miseries." 

Mrs.  Harris:  "  He  seemed  to  look  upon 
his  misfortune  as  an  inevitable  fate,  and 
to  adopt  it  as  a  sort  of  Bohemianism. 
Upon  his  return  to  Germany,  he  wrote 
an  autobiography." 

Miss  Van  Eyck:  "Was  it  there  you 
found  that  curious  description  of  the 
uniform  of  ^he  American  soldiers  and 
officers? " 

Mrs.  Harris:  "No;  that  was  in  the 
'  Briefwechsel, '  v/here  the  letter  of  a 
German  officer  says  that  some  of  the 
American  officers,  quite  in  contrast  to 
their  simple  dress,  wore  large,  powdered 
wigs,  for  which  the  soldiers  felt  the 
most  profound  reverence.  But  many  of 
these  German  accounts  are  full  of  serious 
matter,  that  will  probably  be  an  efficient 
guide  through  some  of  the  intricacies  of 


the  Saratoga  campaign,  as  the  German 
view  of  it  is  quite  different  from  either 
the  British  or  American." 

Judge  Van  Ey^k:  "I  suppose  we  have 
that  in  the  Memoirs  of  Madame  Riede- 
sel,  and  the  journals  of  her  husband, 
translated  some  years  ago  by  Mr.  Stone." 

Mrs.  Harris:  "Yes;  that  is  one  of  the 
most  entertaining  accounts  of  Burgoyne's 
Campaign  that  can  be  found.  I  have 
written  a  sketch  of  the  Baroness,  drawn 
from  that  book  and  other  ooi'rces,  which 
I  have  promised  to  lend  Kate." 

Miss  Pelham,  rising:  "  It  is  time  for 
me  to  go  the  Clarendon  Spring  for  my 
tonic  water,  and  I  shall  stop  at  the  book- 
store for  a  novel.  Won't  you  go,  Kate  ?" 

Mr.  Winship:  "  Will  you  all  go  to  the 
bowling  alley,  and  have  a  game  of  ten- 
pins ? " 

Miss  Van  Eyck:  "O,  yes!  I  want  to 
retaliate  on  father  and  Mrs.  Harris;  they 
shall  not  beat  us  so  badly  again." 

They  saunter  through  the  broad  hall 
and  down  the  front  steps  of  the  hotel, 
the  ladies  raise  their  sunshades,  and 
without  further  preparation  continue 
their  walk  to  the  spring.  Miss  Pelham, 
Miss  Van  Eyck  and  Mr.  Winship  in  ad- 
vance, talking  with  animation  upon  some 
subject  not  historical.  Mrs.  Harris 
and  the  Judge  stray  sh-wly  on  behind 
them,  still  interested  in  the  subject 
that  has  occupied  them  during  the 
morning. 

Judge  Van  Eyck:  "I  have  read  the 
memoir  of  Madame  Riedesel.  I  was 
charmed  with  the  Baroness;  her  intelli- 
gence and  refinement,  as  well  as  her  de- 
votion to  her  husband  and  children,  are 
remarkable.  With  what  vividness  and 
skill   she  pictures    the    events  passing 


A  VISIT  TO  THE  BATTLE  GROUND 


nr 


around  her,  and  with  what  naivetd  she 
relates  the  most  trifling  incidents  of  her 
own  experience ! " 

Mrs.  Harris:  "Yes;  that  is  the  very 
thing  that  gives  such  reality  to  her  ac- 
count of  the  carapaigii,  and  the  long 
captivity  that  followed.  By  the  way, 
Judge,  do  you  not  think  it  was  rather 
disgraceful  in  our  Congress  to  refuse  to 
ratify  the  terms  of  the  convention  signed 
at  Saratoga?  Certainly  Burgoyne  and 
his  officers  had  reason  to  feel  aggrieved, 
although  the  English  Government  bore 
it  very  quietly.  I  believe  that  Washing- 
ton urged  upon  Congress  their  obligation 
to  confirm  the  terms  of  the  convention." 

Judge  Van  Eyck:  "  Yes,  he  did;  and 
however  it  might  be  regretted  that  Gates' 
weakness,  and  Burgoyne's  firmness  had 
fixed  the  terms  as  they  were,  it  has  seemed 
to  me  there  was  no  honorable  course  for 
Congress  to  pursue  but  to  confirm  them. 
Yet  we  must  remember  that  there  were 
many  minor  points  which  may  have 
weighed  with  them,  and  are  not  appar- 
ent to  us.  It  is  said  that  La  Fayette's 
influence  prevailed  in  the  matter.  He  was 
interested  for  the  French  Government, 
wishing  to  prevent  the  use  of  Burgoyne's 
army  against  France,  as  war  was  impend- 
ing between  that  country  and  England." 

Mrs.  Harris:  "I  remember  now  hav- 
ing read  somewheni  that  he  urged,  as  a 
precedent  for  disregarding  the  articles 
of  the  convention,  the  surrender  of  the 
Duke  of  Cumberland  at  Kloster  Seven, 
on  which  occasion  the  terms  of  capitu- 
lation were  ignored  by  the  English." 

Judge  Van  Eyck:  "Burgoyne  himself 
did  obtain  leave  to  go  back  to  England, 
although  he  was  unsuccessful  in  secur- 
ing the  return  of  the  army." 


Mrs.  Harris:  "  I  always  feel  a  pro- 
found sympathy  for  him  on  that  return 
trip.  Although  we  cannot  say,  as  the 
poet  does  of  one  of  the  kings  of  Eng- 
land, that  *  he  never  smiled  again,'  it  is 
known  that,  even  after  he  was  excul- 
pated from  censure  by  Parliam'^nt,  when 
he  enjoyed  great  social  distinction,  and 
was  flattered  and  app'^'ided  in  conse- 
quence of  the  success  of  his  drama,  "  The 
Heiress,"  that  '  ihe  shadow  of  Saratoga 
always  rested  on  his  brow.'  The  buoy- 
ancy and  zest  of  his  aspirations  were 
destroyed  by  a  stroke  of  the  pen  that 
signed  his  humiliation  and  General  Gates' 
triumph.  One  thing  has  occurred  to  me. 
Judge,  as  rather  remarkable  since  I  have 
read  something  of  the  private  lives  of 
these  officers  of  the  invading  army.  They 
all  seem  to  have  been  model  husbands; 
even  Burgoyne,  who  was  considered  a 
gay,  pleasure-loving  dilettante,  treated 
his  wife  with  tender  devotion  and 
an  unlimited  confidence  and  defer- 
ence." 

Judge  Van  Eyck:  "  Did  he  not  elope 
with  her?  I  think  she  was  an  Earl's 
daughter." 

Mrs.  Harris:  "  Which  proves  there  was 
a  romantic  attachment  to  begin  with; 
this  ripened  into  a  life-long  affection, 
and  her  family  became  not  only  recon- 
ciled to  Burgoyne,  but  were  devoted  to 
his  interests  ever  afterwards.  You  will 
remember  that  Gen.  Frazer  spoke  pa- 
thetically of  his  wife  in  his  dying  mo- 
ments; Major  Ackland  reciprocated  the 
devotion  of  Lady  Ackland,  and  Gen. 
Riedesel  was  a  veritable  lover  to  the 
Baroness.  The  young  people  are  wait- 
ing for  us;  we  must  win  another  victory 
over  them." 


'-38 


A  VISIT  TO  THE  BATTLE  GROUND 


11. 

It  is  afternoon.  Judge  Van  Eyck  and 
Mr.  Winship  are  enjoying  their  cigars 
and  the  New  York  papers  in  the  gentle- 
men's reading  room.  The  ladies  of  their 
party  have  retired  to  their  cottage,  in 
the  south  wing  of  the  great  hotel,  and 
disposed  themselves  for  an  afternoon  rest. 
Miss  Pelham  lies  on  the  bed,,  turning 
over  lazily  tY  j  pages  of  her  new  novel. 
Mrs.  Harris,  on  the  sofa  in  the  parlor,  is 
lost  in  one  of  those  short,  profound  naps 
that  assist  in  preserving  the  freshnesii  of 
ladies  on  the  shady  side  of  forty.  Miss 
Van  Eyck  has  drawn  a  large  easy  chair 
to  the  window;  she  opens  the  manuscript 
which  Mrs.  Harris  has  given  her,  and 
reads  a  sketch  of 

THE  BARONESS  RIEDESEL  IN  AMERICA 

On  the  nth  of  June,  1777,  in  the  har- 
bor of  Quebec,  a  ship,  just  arrived  from 
England,  cast  anchor.  On  its  deck 
stood  the  Baroness  Riedesel  with  her 
three  young  children,  Gustava,  Fred- 
erika  and  Caroline ;  her  faithful  maid, 
Lena,  who  had  followed  her  from  Ger- 
many, and  another  she  had  hired  in 
England.  There  the  Baroness  had  been 
obliged  to  remain  nearly  a  year,  waiting 
for  a  suitable  transport  to  Canada;  that 
new  land,  where  her  thoughts  and  desires 
were  constantly  drawing  her  towards  the 
gallant  husband  who  had  parked  from 
her  in  grief,  and  now,  she  was  sure, 
awaited  her  arrival  with  anxiety  and  joy. 
Gazing  wistfully  towards  the  shore  sh- 
thought,  "scarcely  one  short  hour,  and 
his  arms  will  encircle  me." 

At  this  moment  the  booming  of  guns 
from  all  the  ships  in  the  harbor,  firing  a 
salute  in  honor  of  her  arrival,  increased 


her  excitement;  tears  of  hope  and  joy 
streamed  from  her  beautiful  blue  eyes, 
she  clasped  the  little  Caroline  more 
closely  to  her  breast,  while  Gustava  and 
Frederika  danced  about  her,  wild  with 
delight,  in  anticipation  of  a  release  from 
the  lor.;^  confinement  of  eight  weeks  on 
board  ship.  Their  demonstrations  of 
joy  increased^  when  they  '  w  a.  boat, 
"containing  twelve  sailors,  dressed  in 
white,  with  silver  helmets  and  green 
sashes,"  approaching  the  ship  to  carry 
them  ashore.  With  it  came  letters  from 
Gen.  Riedesel,  informing  his  wife  that  he 
had  been  unable  to  awai ;  her  arrival  at 
Quebec,  and  had  started  on  the  summer 
campaign  with  General  Burgoyne.  Here 
w&s  a  bitter  disappointment,  but  this 
gentle,  resolute  woman  gave  little  time 
to  unavailing  regrets.  Only  remaining 
in  Quebec  long  enough  to  dine  with  the 
wife  of  General  Carleton,  and  without 
resting  from  the  fatigues  of  the  long 
sea  voyage,  on  the  evening  of  the  same 
day  the  Baroness,  with  her  family,  em- 
barked in  a  small  boat  and  proceeded 
up  the  3t.  Lawrence,  hoping  to  overtake 
her  husband,  and  spend  at  least  a  few 
hours  with  him.  It  was  a  beautiful 
moonlight  night;  they  were  accompanied 
by  a  splendid  band  of  music.  Mingled 
emotions  of  disappointment  &.nd  antici- 
pation stirred  the  sensitive  heart  of  the 
wife  and  mother  as  they  glided  on  so 
weirdly  over  the  waters  of  the  broad, 
strange  river.  The  children,  wearied  with 
the  excitement  and  novelty  of  the  day, 
soon  feel  asleep.  At  midnight  they  were 
awakened,  and  prepared  for  a  long  ride 
across  the  country.  Three  light  calashes 
were  provided  for  them. 

"I    could    not,"    gays  the   Baroness, 


wm 


A  VISIT  TO  THE  BATTLE  GROUND 


139 


"bring  my  heart  to  trust  a  single  one  of 
my  children  to  my  women  servants;  and 
as  our  calashes  were  open  and  very  small, 
I  bound  my  second  daughter,  Frederika, 
fast  in  one  corner;  took  the  youngest, 
little  Caroline,  on  my  lap;  while  my  old- 
est, Gustava,  as  the  most  discreet,  sat 
between  my  feet  on  my  purse.    As  I  had 
no  time  to  lose,  if  I  would  overtake  my 
husband,   I  promised   a  reward  to  the 
servants  if  they  would  drive  very  fast, 
and  consequently  we  went  as  quickly  as 
vehicles  and  horses  would  allow."      She 
rode    in    this   way  until  the  following 
afternoon,    when    she    made    the    pas- 
sage of  the  Three  Rivers  in  a  light  ca- 
noe, made  of  bark.     At  one  end  of  this 
frail  boat  the  Baroness  sat  with  her  three 
children  in  her  lap,  while  her  servants 
balanced  it  at  the  other  end.     The  boat- 
men told  her  that  the  slightest  movement 
would  overturn  the  canoe.      This  fright- 
ened little  Frederika,  who  i  creamed,  and 
tried  to  jump  up.     The  Baroness,  there- 
fore, had  to  hold  her  firmly  while  she  con- 
tinued to  scream  with  great  terror.  They 
proceeded  in  this  painful  manner  until 
they  reached  the  village  of  Thice  Rivers. 
At  this  place  ♦^he  Hessian  troops  had 
been   in   winter   quarters,   and  General 
Riedesel  had  left  a  house  prepared  for 
the  reception  of  his  family.     The  distress 
of  the   Baroness  was  increased  by  the 
surrounding  manifestations  of  the  affec- 
tionate care  and  forethought  of  her  ab- 
sent husband,  ia  providing  for  her  com- 
fort.    The  enthusiastic  affection  and  re- 
spect with  which  he  was  spoken  of  by 
the  friends  he  had  left  here,  at  once  con- 
soled and  afflicted  her,  since  she  was  told 
that  he  had  been  quite  sick,  and  was  not 
yet  recovered,  and  that  his,  illness  had 


been  increased  by  his  solicitude  for  her 
during  the  long  voyage — rumors  having 
reached  him  of  disasters  at  sea,  that  he 
feared  might  have  robbed  him  of  his  lit- 
tle family.     The  Grand  Vicar  of  the  vil- 
lage, sympathizing  with  her  anxiety  to 
join  her  husband,  loaned  her  a  covered 
calash  in  which  she  immediately  resum- 
ed her  journey  in  pursuit  of  the  advanc- 
ing army.     The  '/eatherwas  exceedingly 
stormy,  and  the  road  difficult  and  rug- 
ged, but  she  still  pushed  forward  with 
impatient    eagerness.     She    says,   "this 
vehicle   went   so   lapidly   that   I   could 
scarcely  recover  my  breath,  in  addition 
to  which  I  was  so  jostled  about  (as  I  was 
constantly  obliged  to  hold  my  children) 
that  I  was  completely  beaten  to  pieces. 
I  was  obliged  at  every  post  station   to 
stretch  out  my  arms  and  walk  around  a 
little  to  render  my  joints  more  limber." 
How  touching  a  picture  is  this  !     A  deli- 
cate, refined  woman,  accustomed  only  to 
the  comfort,  luxury  and  shelter  of  un  old 
civilization,  in  a  circle  of  devoted  rela- 
tions and  friends,  encountering  the  hard- 
ships of  the  wilderness — self-reliant,  cour- 
ageous, perseveWng — not  for  one  moment 
forgetting  or  neglecting  the  babes  who 
are  dependent  on  her  tenderness,  even 
while  her  whole  soul  is  absorbed  in  that 
intensity  of  wif  ;ly  love  and  devotion  that 
renders  her  regardless  of  fatigue,  pain, 
and  repeated  disappointment.     If  we  are 
moved  with  enthusiasm  in  recalling  the 
valor  and  se'J-forgetfulness  of  the  soldier 
in   the  se^'ice  of  his  country — on  the 
wearying  march,  and  amid  the  carnage  of 
the  field — may  we  not  be  equally  stirred 
at  a  manifestation  of  heroic  endurance 
and  self-abnegation  in  a-,  exercise  of  the 
most  sublime  of  human  emotions  ?    The 


.-■>•«*    -.'■!v.J*^'ftA.^'tife^- 


•II    tf>. 


.140 


A  VISIT  TO  THE  BATTLE  GROUND 


love  that  outstrips  time,  space,  obsta- 
cles —  that  endures,  waits,  yearns,  la- 
bors for  the  beloved  one,  and  never 
wearies,  never  flags,  but  grows,  strength- 
ens and  expands  until  lost  in  the  immor- 
tal love  of  the  hereafter  !  Is  this  mere 
high-flown  sentiment  —  are  these  words 
for  romancers  and  poets  ?  We  need  no 
other  answer  than  a  glance  at  the  tired, 
eager  face  of  this  woman,  who  only  typi- 
fies a  class  upon  whom  the  world  gazes 
with  blind  eyes. 

A  messenger  had  been  dispatched  in 
advance  to  inform  General  Riedesel  of 
the  approach  of  his  wife  ;  he  started  im- 
mediately to  meet  her ;  unfortunately  as 
he  advanced  upon  one  road,  he  pai^sed 
her  upon  another,  and  thus  by  one  of 
those  unpropitious  chances  that  often  set 
united  efforts  at  cross  purposes,  was  the 
union  of  these  anxious  hearts  still  fur- 
ther delayed.  Arrived  at  Chambly,  the 
place  from  which  he  had  started,  the 
Baroness  was  advised  to  await  his  re- 
turn, She  says,  "my  children  and  my 
faithful  Rachel  kept  a  constant  watch  on 
the  high  road,  that  they  might  bring  me 
news  of  my  husband's  arrival.  Finally 
a  calash  was  descried,  having  a  Cana- 
dian in  it.  I  saw  from  a  distance  the 
calash  stop  still ;  the  Canadian  got  out, 
came  nearer,  and  folded  the  children  in 
his  arms.  It  was  my  .lusband  !  As  he  still 
had  the  fever,  he  was  clothed  (though  it 
tvas  summer)  in  a  sort  of  cassock  of 
woolen  cloth,  bordered  with  ribbons,  and 
to  which  was  attached  a  variegated  fringe 
of  blue  and  red,  after  the  Canadian 
fashion  of  the  country.  My  joy  was  be- 
yond all  descrption,  but  the  sick  and 
feeble  appearance  of  my  husband  terri- 
fied me,  and  a  little  disheartened  me.     I 


found  both  my  elder  daughters  in  tears. 
Gustava  for  joy  at  again  seeing  her  father, 
and  little  Frederika  because  she  saw  him 
in  this  plight.  For  this  reason  she  would 
not  go  to  him  at  all,  but  said,  "  No,  no, 
this  is  not  my  papa ;  my  papa  is  pretty." 
"  The  very  momen'i,  however,  that  he 
threw  off  his  Canadian  coat,  she  tenderly 
embraced  him."  How  graphically  the 
wife  describes  the  emotions  of  her  chil- 
dren— how  little  she  says  for  herself.  "  It 
was  my  husband  !  My  joy  wus  beyond 
all  description,"  and  again  :  "  We  re- 
mained with  each  other  two  happy  days." 
How  inadequate  to  depict  the  emotions 
of  the  heart  are  "11  outward  expressions ! 
Months,  years  of  deferred  hope  may  finu 
their  culmination  in  a  few  hours  of  joy  ; 
a  lifetime  of  unselfish  motives,  of  persist- 
ent effort,  its  reward  in  a  few  days  of 
rest,  a  few  moments  of  delight.  Yet  how 
may  we  give  utterance  to  the  fullness  of 
joy,  the  beatitude  of  culminated  hopes  ! 

General  Riedesel  informed  his  wife 
that  she  could  not  acompany  the  army 
at  that  time,  and  that  it  would  be  neces- 
sary for  her  to  return  to  Three  Rivrs, 
and  await  the  development  of  events. 
The  confidence  of  an  assured  love,  the 
satisfaction  of  a  mutual  appreciation 
may  alleviate  the  hours  of  separation, 
but  the  heart  rebels,  and  we  grieve  with 
the  loving  wife,  who  says  :  "  I  was  forced, 
to  my  great  sorrow,  to  go  buck  to  Three 
Rivers.  I  suffered  yet  more  upon  wit- 
nessing the  departure  of  the  troops 
against  the  enemy,  while  I,  with  my 
children,  was  obliged,  alone  and  desert- 
ed, to  return  and  live  in  a  strange  land, 
among  unknown  people.  Sorrowful,  and 
very  much  cast  down,  I  travelled  back. 
What  a  difference  between  this  journey 


A  VISIT  TO  THE  BATTLE  GROUND 


141 


and  that  which  I  had  made  a  little  while 
before !  This  time  I  did  not  move  so 
quickly  ;  for  at  every  post  station,  which 
removed  me  further  from  him  I  loved, 
my  heart  was  torn  open  afresh." 

A  few  weeks  were  passed  by  Madame 
Riedesel  at  the  little  village  of  Three 
Rivers,  where  with  discretion  and  amia- 
bility she  adapted  herself  to  the  people 
around  her,  and  found  the  contentment 
that  ever  follows  such  efforts.  In  the 
meantime  the  British  and  German  forces 
had  swept  on  victoriously  past  Ticonder- 
oga,  Fort  Independence,  ard  Skenes- 
borough.  Major  Ackland  had  been 
'.vounded  at  Hubbardton,  and  his  wife 
was  allowed  to  join  him.  As  soon  as 
this  permission  was  granted,  General 
Burgoyne,  beaiing  in  remembrance  his 
own  tender  solicitude  for  his  lamented 
wife,  thoughtfully  turned  to  General 
Riedesel,  and  said  :  "  Your  wife  shall 
come  too,  General ;  despatch  Captain 
Willoe  to  escort  her  at  once." 

Captain  Willoe  soon  arrived  at  Three 
Rivers,  when  the  Baroness  and  her  fam- 
ily once  more  joyfully  embarked  in  a 
small  boat,  accompanied  by  another  one 
containing  the  soldiers,  baggage  and  pro- 
visions. The  first  night  they  were  obliged 
to  land  on  a  small  island — the  second 
boat,  being  heavily  1  iden,  had  fallen  far 
behind.  The  little  family  were  without 
supper  and  candles  or  other  comforts. 
A  deserted  hut  was  found,  containing 
some  bushes,  upon  which  shawls  were 
spread,  and  the  little  ones  were  induced 
to  lie  down  to  rest.  During  the  night 
they  were  frequently  disturbed  by  strange 
sounds  and  sudden  lights,  which  could 
be  seen  through  the  chinks  of  the  cabin. 
At  breakfast,  which  wa?  spread  upon  a 


stone  for  a  table,  Madame  Riedesel  ask- 
ed the  Captain  what  had  caused  the 
alarming  sights  and  sounds.  He  admit- 
ted that  he  had  discovered,  when  too 
late  to  make  a  change,  that  this  was 
Rattlesnake  Island,  so  called  because 
a  very  great  number  of  these  reptiles 
infested  the  place.  He  had  tried  by  the 
unusual  sights  and  sounds  to  keep  them 
at  a  distance. 

Upon  hearing  this,  the  breakfast  was 
hurried,  and  they  left  the  island  as 
quickly  as  possible,  arriving  at  St.  John's 
soon  after.  Here  they  took  passjje  in 
larger  boats,  and  had  a  prosperous  and 
beautiful  trip  through  Lake  Champlain 
ai:d  the  transparent  waters  of  Lake 
George.  The  magnificent  scenery  was 
a  constant  source  of  d^li^ht  to  the  culti- 
vated taste  and  pure  mind  of  the  Baron- 
ess, whose  happy  anticipations  were  in 
harmony  with  the  joyous  spirit  of  sum- 
mer, that  seemed  to  vivify  this  lovely  re- 
gion with  the  breath  of  a  living  beauty. 
As  the  boat  drifted  near  the  shores  of 
the  picture-like  islands,  the  delicate 
colors  of  the  varied  wild  flowers,  and  the 
full-throated  carol  of  the  fearless  birds, 
entranced  her;  and  again,  in  the  midst 
of  the  broad  lake,  the  grandeur  of  the 
primitive  forests,  the  largeness  of  vision 
granted  by  the  rarified  atmosphere,  the 
rounded,  verdant  mountains,  and  the 
shadowed  valleys  inspired  a  depth  of 
thought  and  gratitude  that  subdued  the 
impatient  eagerness  of  all  purely  human 
affections. 

The  little  family  traveled  on  pleas- 
antly, the  children  reflecting  the  happi- 
ness of  the  mother;  they  soon  reached 
Fort  Edward,  where  Burgoyne's  army 
was  then   encamped.      They  were  re- 


T 


sar 


JAKT?  'r^ 


-I^.^J 


■^n" 


■F»W^ 


mafl 


t42 


A  VISIT  TO  THE  BATTLE  GROUND 


ceived  with  unbounded  delight  by  Gen- 
eral Riedesel,  and  warmly  welcomed  by 
the  commanding  officers.  Immediately 
after  this,  communication  was  cut  off 
with  Canada,  and  the  Baroness  congrat- 
ulated herself  greatly  on  having  been 
able  to  join  her  husband,  as  otherwise 
she  would  have  been  separated  from  him 
during  all  the  years  of  his  captivity. 
Upon  her  arrival,  a  room  was  assigned 
her  at  headquarters  in  the  Red  House; 
"and  here,"  says  the  Baroness,  "I  had 
the  joy  of  spending  three  happy  weeks 
in  the  greatest  tranquility.  We  had  a 
very  pleasant  life.  The  surrounding 
country  was  magnificent;  and  we  were 
encircled  by  the  encampments  of  the 
English  and  German  troops.  The  weath- 
er was  beautiful,  and  we  often  took  our 
meals  under  the  trees."  She  and  her 
children  endeared  themselves  greatly  to 
all  the  military  household.  This  inter- 
est continued  through  the  hardships  of 
the  following  weeks;  and  many  brave 
men  felt  their  hearts  stirred  with  sympa- 
thy and  tenderness  towards  these  gentle 
beings,  who  seemed  like  lovely  flowers 
tossed  hither  and  thither  on  the  tempest- 
uous waves  of  war. 

On  the  nth  of  September,  the  army 
moved  slowly  forward  over  an  obstructed 
pathway,  and  thus  were  the  little  family 
often  weary  and  hungry  with  waiting 
during  the  day,  and  exhausted  and  sleepy 
long  before  they  could  stop  at  night. 
Madame  Riedesel  says:  "We  made  only 
small  day's  marches,  and  were  very  often 
sick;  yet  always  contented  at  being  al- 
lowed to  follow.  I  had  still  the  satisfac- 
tioii  of  daily  seeing  my  husband.  In  the 
beginning  all  went  well.  We  cherished 
the  sweet  hope  of  a  sure  victory,  and  of 


coming  into  the  'promised  land;'  and 
when  we  passed  the  Hudson  river,  and 
General  Burgoyne  said,  'The  English 
never  lose  ground,'  our  spirits  were 
greatly  exhilarated." 

After  the  battle  of  the  19th  of  Sep- 
tember, and  while  the  British  were  en- 
camped near  Freeman's  Farm,  Madame 
Riedesel,  with  her  family,  occupied  Tay- 
lor's house,  a  mile  or  two  north  of  the 
encampment.  General  Riedesel 's  head- 
quarters were  a  long  ride  from  Taylor's. 
Madame  Riedesel  daily  visited  the  camp, 
and  sometimes  took  breakfast  or  dinner 
with  her  husband,  but  more  frequently 
he  came,  accompanied  by  other  officers, 
to  dine  with  her.  Colonel  Williams  of 
the  artillery,  noticing  the  fatigue  to  which 
these  visits  subjected  General  Riedesel 
and  his  wife,  offered  to  build  a  block- 
house for  her  near  the  camp.  She  gladly 
accepted  his  offer.  It  was  built  of  heavy 
logs,  and  would  form  a  comfortable  shel- 
ter from  the  autumn  chilliness.  General 
Riedesel  was  still  suffering  from  the  ef- 
fects of  fever,  and  the  Baroness  says:  "  I 
was  to  remove  into  it  the  following  day^ 
and  was  the  more  rejoiced  at  it  as  the 
nights  were  already  damp  and  cold,  and 
my  husband  could  live  in  it  with  me,  as 
he  then  would  be  near  the  camp.  Sud- 
denly, however,  on  the  7  th  of  October, 
my  husband,  with  the  whole  general  staff, 
decamped.  Our  misfortunes  may  be  said 
to  date  from  this  moment.  I  had  just 
sat  down  with  my  husband  at  his  quar- 
ters to  breakfast.  General  Frazer,  and 
I  believe  Generals  Burgoyne  and  Phil- 
lips, were  to  have  dined  with  me  on  the 
same  day.  I  observed  considerable  move- 
ment among  the  troops.  On  my  way 
homeward,  I  met  many  savages  in  their 


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A  VISIT  TO  THE  BATTLE  GROUND 


»43 


war  dress,  armed  with  guns — they  cried 
out  'War!  war! '  This  completely  over- 
whelmed me,  and  I  had  scarcely  got  back 
to  my  quarters,  when  I  heard  skirmish- 
ing and  firing,  which  by  degrees  became 
constantly  heavier,  until  finally  the  noises 
were  frightful.  It  was  a  terrible  cannon- 
ade, and  I  was  more  dead  than  alive. 
About  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  in 
place  of  the  guests  who  were  to  have 
dined  with  me,  they  brought  to  me,  upon 
a  litter,  poor  General  Frazer  (one  of  my 
expected  guests),  mortally  wounded.  Our 
dining  table,  which  was  already  spread, 
was  taken  away,  and  in  its  place  they 
fixed  up  a  bed  for  the  General,  I  sat  in 
a  corner  of  the  room,  trembling  and 
quaking,  lest  my  husband  should  be 
brought  to  me  in  the  same  manner. 
Prayers  were  read  to  General  Frazer,  af- 
ter which  he  sent  a  message  to  General 
Burgoyne,  begging  that  he  would  have 
him  buried  in  the  great  redoubt  on  the 
hill. 

"  I  knew  not  which  way  to  turn,  the 
whole  entry  and  other  rooms  were  filled 
with  sick.  Finally,  towards  evening,  I 
saw  my  husband  coming,  upon  which  I 
forgot  all  my  sufferings,  and  thanked 
God  that  he  had  been  spared  to  me.  He 
ate  in  great  haste  with  me  and  his  adju- 
tant, behind  the  house.  We  had  been 
told  we  had  gained  an  advantage  over 
the  enemy,  but  the  sorrowful  and  down- 
cast faces;  which  I  beheld  bore  witness 
to  the  contrary;  and  before  my  husband 
went  away  again,  he  drew  me  to  one  side, 
and  said  that  things  might  go  very  badly, 
and  I  must  keep  myself  in  constant  read- 
iness for  departure,  but  to  give  no  one 
the  least  inkling  of  what  I  was  doing. 
I,  therefore,  pretended  that  I  wanted  to 


move  into  my  new  house  the  next  morn- 
ing, and  had  everything  packed  up. 

"  My  Lady  Ackland  occupied  a  tent 
not  far  from  our  house.  In  this  she 
slept,  but  during  the  day  was  in  the 
camp.  Suddenly  one  came  to  tell  her 
that  her  husband  was  mortally  wounded, 
and  had  been  taken  prisoner.  At  this 
she  became  very  wretched,  for  she  loved 
him  very  much.  She  was  the  loveliest 
of  women.  I  spent  the  night  in  this 
manner;  at  one  time  comforting  her^ 
and  at  another  looking  after  my  children, 
whom  I  had  put  to  bed.  General  Frazer 
and  all  the  other  gentlemen  were  in  my 
room,  and  I  was  constantly  afraid  that 
my  children  would  wake  up  and  cry,  and 
thus  disturb  the  poor  dying  man,  who 
often  sent  to  beg  my  pardon  for  making 
me  so  much  trouble.  At  eight  o'clock 
in  the  morning  he  expired.  *  *  About 
four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  I  saw  the 
new  house  which  had  been  built  f^c  me  in 
flames;  the  enemy,  therefore,  were  not 
far  from  us." 

When  describing  General  Frazer's  fu- 
neral, she  says:  "Many cannon  balls  also 
flew  not  far  from  me,  but  I  had  my  eyes 
fixed  upon  the  hill,  where  I  distinctly 
saw  my  husband  in  the  midst  of  the  en- 
emy's fire,  and,  therefore,  I  could  not 
think  of  my  own  danger," 

rJurgoyne,  after  describing  the  sol- 
emnity of  this  scene,  and  the  steadiness 
of  the  officiating  elergyman  who  was 
"  frequently  covered  with  dust  which  ♦^he 
shot  threw  up  on  all  sides  of  him,"  thus 
apostrophises  his  friend  :  "  To  the  can- 
vas, and  to  the  faithful  page  of  a  more 
important  historian,  gallant  friend,  I 
consign  thy  memory !  There  may  thy 
talents,  thy  manly  virtues,  their  progress. 


1 


144 


A   VISIT  TO  THE   HATTLE  GROUND 


and  their  period,  find  due  distinction  ; 
and  lonj;  may  they  survive,  long  after  the 
frail  record  of  my  pen  shall  be  forgot- 
ten !  " 

Immediately  after  the  funeral  a  retreat 
was  ordered.  Madame  Riedesel  entered 
her  calash  with  her  children  and  maids, 
and  traveled  the  whole  night  in  a  pour- 
ing rain.  The  strictest  silence  was  en- 
joined lest  the  enemy  should  discover  the 
retreat.  Little  Frederika  had  became  so 
ne'vous  and  frightened  by  the  painful 
events  of  the  day,  that  her  tears  and 
screams  could  not  be  restrained,  and  her 
mother  was  obliged  to  hold  a  pocket 
handkerchiv  f  over  her  mouth  to  prevent 
her  cries  from  being  heard.  At  six 
o'clock  in  the  morning  a  halt  was  made. 
General  Riedesel  came  up,  and  being 
greatly  exhausted,  dismounted  from  his 
horse,  and  sat  in  the  calash,  soon  falling 
asleep  with  his  head  on  his  wife's  shoul- 
der. His  little  daughter  now  became 
very  docile  and  quiet,  reassured  by  the 
presence  of  her  father,  whom  she  loved 
dearly  ;  she  could  easily  understand  how 
he  would  be  disturbed,  though  rebellious 
against  the  military  order  for  silence. 
The  drenching  rain  continued  through 
this  whole  day,  which  was  spent  without 
shelter.  Several  officers  brought  Mad- 
ame Riedesel  their  watches,  rings  and 
purses,  requesting  her  to  take  care  of 
them.  She  promised  to  do  so,  and  after- 
wards found  them  a  source  of  much 
anxiety  to  her.  The  Baroness  says  that 
during  this  halt,  one  of  her  maids 
"  did  nothing,  cursed  her  situation,  and 
tore  out  her  hair.  I  entreated  her,"  she 
continues,  "  to  compose  herself,  or  else 
she  would  be  taken  for  a  savage.  Upon 
this  she  became  still  more  frantic,  and 


tore  her  bonnet  off  her  head,  letting  her 
hair  hang  down  over  her  face,  and  said : 
"You  talk  well!  You  have  your  hus- 
band !  But  we  having  nothing  to  look 
forward  to,  but  dying  miserably  on  the 
one  hand,  or  losing  all  we  possess  on  the 
other!"  To  quiet  her,  I  promised  to 
make  good  all  her  losses.  My  good 
Lena,  though  much  frightened,  said 
nothing." 

At  night  they  moved  on  about  half  an 
hour's  march,  and  camped  at  old  Sara- 
toga. Here  a  good  fire  was  built,  the 
children  were  warmed,  wrapped  in  dry 
clothing,  and  laid  upon  some  straw  near 
the  fire  to  sleep.  While  sitting  near 
them,  distressed  and  exhausted,  General 
Phillips  came  up,  and  she  asked  him  why 
the  retreai  was  not  continued.  "  Poor 
woman,"  answered  he,  "  I  am  amazed  at 
you  ;  completely  wet  through,  have  you 
still  the  courage  to  wish  to  go  further  in 
this  weather!"  On  the  next  morning 
the  Baroness  says  :  "  The  greatest  mis- 
ery and  utmost  disorder  prevailed  in  the 
army.  The  commissaries  had  forgotten  - 
to  distribute  provisions.  More  than 
thirty  officers  came  to  me  who  could  en- 
dure the  pangs  of  hunger  no  longer.  I 
had  coffee  and  tea  made  for  them,  and 
divided  among  them  all  the  provisions 
with  which  my  carriage  was  filled.  We 
had  a  cook,  who,  although  an  arrant 
knave,  was  fruitful  in  expedients,  and 
often  in  the  night  would  steal  from  the 
country  people,  sheep,  poultry,  and  pigs, 
which  he  afterwards  sold  to  us  for  a  high 
price — a  circumstance  that  we  only  learn- 
ed a  long  time  afterward." 

In  the  afternoon  cannonading  was 
heard,  and  everything  was  in  confusion. 
The  Baroness  with  lier  family  hurried 


i 


I. 


A  VISIT  TO  THE  BATTLE  GROUND 


'45 


was 


into  the  calash,  and  drove  to  a  house 
near  by.  As  she  arrived  at  the  door  she 
saw  some  men  at  a  distance  leveling 
their  guns  towards  this  spot  ;  she  threw 
her  children  into  the  bottom  of  the  cal- 
ash, and  herself  over  them  ;  at  the  same 
moment  a  soldier  just  behind  her  had 
his  arm  shattered  by  one  of  these  balls. 
She  hurriedly  entered  the  house  which 
the  Americans  supposed  to  be  occupied 
by  the  Generals  ;  a  heavy  fire  was  di- 
rected towards  it.  Madame  Riedesel 
and  her  family  took  refuge  in  the  cellar. 
Here,  during  the  whole  night,  she  sat 
upon  the  floor,  while  the  terrified  child- 
ren hid  their  heads  in  her  lap.  The 
sound  of  cannon  balls  crashing  through 
the  walls  of  the  house  above,  the  cries 
of  the  children,  the  stench  of  the  sick 
and  wounded  who  had  crowded  in,  and 
above  all,  the  uncertainty  of  her  hus- 
band's fate,  contributed  to  the  suffering 
and  anguish  of  this  horrible  night. 
"  Yet  in  this  terrible  den  of  affliction, 
this  extraordinary  woman  preserved  her 
courage  and  compassion."  When  the 
morning  came,  she  prevailed  upon  all  to 
leave  the  cellar,  until  she  could  have  it 
cleaned  and  fumigated  ;  in  the  meantime 
she  placed  the  little  girls  under  the  cel- 
lar stairs,  as  she  feared  to  trust  them  a 
moment  from  her  presence. 

When  the  cellar  was  cleaned,  and  the 
door  opened  for  the  women  and  the 
wounded  to  enter,  a  great  rush  forward 
was  made  by  a  crowd  of  frightened  and 
desperate  soldiers  who  had  fled  from  the 
camp,  and  now  sought  a  place  of  safety. 
The  Baroness  and  her  children  were  in 
danger  of  being  crushed  and  overwhelm- 
ed ;  she,  however,  with  great  resolution 


and  calmness,  stood  in  the  doorway,  and 
spreading  out  her  arms,  firmly  com- 
manded the  men  to  stand  back.  They 
shrank  away  ashamed.  The  helpless 
ones  were  then  brought  in. 

Major  Hamage,  who  was  wounded, 
with  his  wife,  and  Mrs.  Reynell,  whose 
husband  had  been  killed  the  day  before, 
curtained  off  a  corner  of  the  cellar,  and 
wished  to  arrange  another  corner  for  the 
Baroness.  She  preferred  to  stay  near  the 
door,  where  she  thought  she  could  more 
readily  save  her  children  in  case  of  fire, 
and  where  she  could  the  more  easily  slip 
out  during  the  night  to  see  if  the  camp 
fires  were  still  burning.  She  was  in  con- 
stant fear  that  the  army  would  make  a 
hasty  retreat,  and  leave  her  behind ;  she 
had  a  great  dread  of  falling  into  the  hands 
of  the  Americans.  She  lived  in  this 
dreadful  way  for  six  days,  and  during 
this  time  "  acted  the  part  of  an  angel  of 
comtort  and  help  to  the  sufferers  around 
her.  She  was  ready  to  perform  every 
friendly  service,  even  those  from  which 
the  tender  mind  of  woman  will  recoil. 
By  her  energy  she  restored  order  from 
chaos,  and  the  soldiers  obeyed  her  more 
readily  than  their  commanding  officers." 

General  Riedesel's  horse  was  kept  con- 
s«;antly  saddled  for  her  to  mount  in  case 
of  a  sudden  retreat.  Three  of  the 
wounded  officers,  who  were  resolved  not 
to  be  left  as  prisoners,  swore  to  the  Bar- 
oness that  in  case  of  a  retreat,  they  each 
would  take  one  of  her  children  before 
him  on  his  horse,  and  assist  her  in  her 
flight.  They  were  very  fond  of  the  ilttle 
girls,  and  often  endeavored  to  quiet  their 
fears.  One  of  the  officers  could  bleat 
like  a  calf,  and  bellow  like  a  cow.    When 


«apMMa»rw  vAanv* 


wm 


146 


A  VISIT  TO  THE   HATTLE  GROUND 


r 


I   I 


Frederika  would  wake  up  in  the  night 
and  cry,  he  often  mimicked  these  ani- 
mals, when  she  would  laugh  heartily,  and 
thus  reassured,  fall  asleep  again. 

They  suffered  greatly  for  water,  as  the 
Americans  would  not  allow  the  British  to 
approach  the  river,  but  picked  off  with 
their  well  aimed  rifles  every  man  who  at- 
tempted it.  A  soldier's  wife  was  found, 
however,  who  undertook  this  service, 
and  the  Baroness  was  much  impressed 
by  the  conduct  of  the  Americans  in  leav- 
ing her  unmolested  on  account  of  her 
sex. 

On  the  17th  of  October  the  army  capit- 
ulated. 

After  the  generals  of  the  conquered 
:«rmy  had  been  received  by  General 
Gates,  a  message  was  sent  to  the  Baron- 
ess, asking  her  to  join  her  husband  in  the 
American  camp.  Once  more  she  entered 
the  calash  that  had  carried  her  sc  many 
weary  miles.  Trembling  und  anx  ous  at 
the  thought  of  going  among  strange  peo- 
ple in  so  trying  a  position,  she  dr^  ve  up 
to  the  headquarters  of  the  American 
General.  "  Here,"  says  she,  "  a  noble 
looking  man  approached  us  and  took  the 
children  out  of  the  wagon,  embraced  and 
kissed  them,  and  then  with  tears  in  his 
eyes,  helped  me  also  to  ali  fit.  'You 
tremble,'  said  he;  'fear  nothi  ij/  '  No,' 
replied  I,  '  for  you  are  so  k.i  <;1.  and  have 
been  so  tender  toward  my  children,  that 
it  has  inspired  me  with  courage.'  "  He 
was  General  Philip  Schuyler.  "  He  then 
led  her  to  the  tent  of  General  Gates, 
where  they  found  Generals  Phillips  and 
Burgoyne,  and  the  latter  said  to  her: 
"You  may  now  dismiss  all  your  appre- 
hensions, for  your  sufferings  are  at  an 
end."     General  Schuyler  then  took  her 


and  her  children  to  his  own  tent,  where 
he  entertained  tiiem  with  considerate 
hospitality.  In  the  evening  he  sent  an 
officer  to  accompany  her  to  Albany. 
She  was  kindly  received  at  his  house  by 
Mrs.  Schuyler  and  her  daughters,  where 
she  remained  three  days.  Ujjon  leaving 
this  hospitable  mansion,  the  Baroness 
Riedesel,  with  her  husband  and  children, 
entered  upon  the  vicissitudes  and  trials 
of  their  long  captivity.  They  traveled 
with  the  captured  army  by  land  to  Cam- 
bridge, Massachusetts,  where  they  re- 
mained several  months,  expecting  from 
time  to  time  to  embark  for  England  ; 
when  Congress  finally  refused  to  ratify 
the  convention  of  Saratoga,  they  jour- 
neyed again  by  land  to  the  interior  of 
Virginia,  where  they  put  up  temporary 
houses,  made  gardens,  and  domesticated 
themselves  as  they  could  in  their  trying 
position.  I'ofore  starting  for  Virginia, 
Madame  Riedesel  gives  the  following  ac- 
count of  the  preservation  of  the  German 
flags  :  "  Now  I  was  forced  to  consider 
how  I  should  safely  carry  the  colors  of 
our  German  regiments  still  further,  as 
we  had  made  the  Americans  at  Saratoga 
belive  that  they  were  burnt  up — a  cir- 
cumstance which  they  at  first  took  in  bad 
part,  though  afterwards  they  tacitly  over- 
looked it.  But  it  was  only  the  staves 
that  had  been  burned,  the  colors  having 
been  thus  far  concealed.  Now  my  hus- 
band confided  to  me  this  secret,  and  en- 
trusted me  with  their  still  further  con- 
cealment. I,  therefore,  shut  myself  in 
with  a  right  honorable  tailor,  who  helped 
me  make  a  mattress  in  which  we  sewed 
every  one  of  them.  Captain  O'Connell, 
under  pretence  of  some  errand,  was  sent 
to  New  York,  and  passed  the  mattress 


I 


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A  VISIT  TO  THE  BATTLE  GROUND 


147 


off  as  his  bed.  He  sent  it  to  Halifax, 
where  we  again  found  it  on  our  passage 
from  New  York  to  Canada,  and  where — 
in  c/der  to  ward  off  all  suspicion  in  case 
our  ship  should  be  taken — I  transferred 
it  into  my  cabin,  and  slept  during  the 
whole  of  the  remaining  voyage  to  Can- 
ada upon  these  honorable  b?dges." 

Upon  Madame  Riedesel's  return  to 
Europe,  and  to  Brunswick,  she  says:  "  I 
found  our  entire  family  mansion  in  the 
same  order  as  I  had  left  it  on  my  depart- 
ure to  America.  *  *  About  a  week  af- 
ter\vards,  I  had  the  great  si  tisfaction  of 
seeing  my  husband,  with  his  own  troops, 
pass  through  the  city.  Yes,  those  very 
streets  in  which,  eight  and  a  half  years 
before,  I  had  lost  my  joy  and  happiness, 
were  the  ones  where  I  now  saw  this  beau- 
tiful and  soul-stirring  spectacle.  It  is 
beyond  my  power  to  describe  my  emo- 
tions on  beholding  my  beloved,  my  up- 
right husband,  who  the  whole  time  had 
lived  solely  for  his  duty,  and  who  had 
been  so  unwearied  in  helping  and  assist- 
ing, as  far  as  possible,  those  who  had 
been  entrusted  to  him,  standing,  with 
tears  of  joy  in  his  eyes,  in  the  midst  of 
his  soldiers." 

Thus  we  find  this  loving,  this  devoted 
wife,  bearing  the  test  of  time  and  change, 
yet  preserving  the  fervor,  the  fre-^hness, 
and  the  enthusiasm  of  her  love — an  en- 
during crown  of  youth  and  beauty  to 
ennoble  and  adorn  the  completeness  of 
her  womanhood. 

Her  daughter,  the  impetuous  little 
Frederika,  became  one  of  the  celebrated 
women  of  her  day.  She  married  the 
Count  Reden,  and  was  also  on  warm 
terms  of  friendship  with  Humboldt,  Ba- 
ron Stein,  and  many  distinguished  men. 


for  whom  her  house  was  a  favorite  resort. 
After  her  death,  Frederick  William,  King 
of  Prussia,  caused  a  beautiful  monument 
to  be  erected  to  her  memory. 


Kate  Van  Eyck  drops  the  manuscript 
in  her  lap,  her  hands  lie  listlessly  on  the 
arms  of  the  large  chair,  and  she  gazes 
dreamily  out  of  the  window. 

Mrs.  Harris:  "  Well,  Kate,  how  do  you 
li!:e  my  heroine? " 

Miss  Van  EycK:  "  She  is  unreal.  Do 
you  think  there  is  such  devotion  as  her's 
in  real  life?    I  never  saw  it." 

Mrs.  Harris:  "You  must  believe  with- 
out seeing,  Kate.  Romance  is  simply 
real  life  at  a  distance." 

Miss  Van  Eyck:  "  What  do  you  mean?" 

Mi3.  Harris:  "That  we  are  living  a 
romance,  as  the  people  of  every  age  and 
every  time  have  been.  One  hundred 
years  hence,  we  will  be  seen  tnrough  a 
misty  atmosphere  of  sentiment  and  ex- 
aggeration that  will  idealize  us  and  our 
time  to  the  people  of  that  day." 

Miss  Pelham,  coming  from  the  back 
room :  "  Do  lay  history  aside  now, 
and  let  us  discuss  the  dinner  we  are  to 
have  at  the  lake  to-morrow.  Did  you 
hear,  Mrs.  Harris,  that  Colciel  Shelby  is 
expected  from  West  Point  this  evening? " 

Mrs.  Harris:  "Yes.  He  will  be  an 
agreeable  addition  to  our  party." 

The  ladies  are  now  busy  with  the  af- 
fairs of  the  toilet,  and  soon  pass  out  to 
the  piazzas,  fresh,  composed  and  ele- 
gant, as  cultivated  women  of  ample 
means  and  honorable  connections  should 
be,  near  the  close  of  a  pleasant  day,  whose 
remaining  hours  will  be  devoted  to  ra- 
tional pleasures. 

Colonel  Shelby  t^rrlves,  and  during  the 


■^ 


148 


A  VISIT  TO  THE  UATTLE  GROUND 


evening  it  is  arranged  that  they  will  all 
enjoy  a  trout  dinner  at  the  Lake  House 
on  the  following  afternoon.  Judge  Van 
Eyck  gives  orders  to  his  coachman  to  go 
early  in  the  morning,  and  order  the  din- 
ner, to  insure  a  good  supply  of  the  deli- 
cacies peculiar  to  the  place. 


III. 

At  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  the 
landau,  buggy  and  saddle  horses  carry 
our  pleasure  seekers  from  the  "United 
States"  past  Congress  Hall  and  the 
Grand  Union.  They  sweep  around  the 
curve,  guarded  by  the  bronze  sentinel  of 
the  "77th  Volunteers,"  who  stands  ever 
watchful  on  his  tall  granite  pedestal,  and 
on  past  the  grent  spring  and  the  race- 
course, over  the  smooth,  broad  road  that 
has  been  gradually  widened  and  leveled, 
and  lifted  from  the  rugged,  marshy  path 
of  the  wilderness  to  the  well-watered, 
evenly  graded  avenue,  with  its  continu- 
ous sidewalk  and  tempting  resting  places. 
Colonel  Shelby,  a  tall  Virginian,  rides 
with  the  easy  grace  of  a  Southerner  and 
the  precision  of  a  West  Point  graduate, 
while  Miss  Van  Eyck  manages  her  rest- 
less horse  Guido  with  equal  confidence 
and  skill.  Ascending  the  last  hill,  they 
catch  a  glimpse  of  the  romantic  little 
Lake  Lonely,  once  called  Owl  Ditch — a 
name  equally  significant,  though  less  me- 
lodious. Quickening  their  speed  as  they 
reach  the  summit,  they  suddenly  rein  in 
their  horses  among  tho  cluster  of  bril- 
liant equipages  at  the  Lake  House.  The 
whole  party  now  alight,  and  stand  on  the 
lawn  of  the  hill  side,  enjoying  the  beau- 
tiful view  of  Saratoga  Lake,  which  lies 
stretched  at  their  feet. 


Miss  Pelham:  "  Hov  placid  the  lako 
is,  and  what  a  beautiful  feature  Snake 
Hill  is  in  this  view.  I  wonder  it  should 
have  received  such  a  name! " 

Judge  Van  Eyck:  "  It  was  probably 
suggested  by  the  number  of  rattlesnakes 
found  there;  they  were  once  exceedingly 
numerous  in  all  this  region.  I  like  such 
names — anything  that  indicates  a  fact  or 
idea,  absolutely  connected  with  the  place 
itself,  is  preferable  to  an  affectation  that 
applies  classical  or  historical  names  to 
our  new  places." 

Mrs.  Harris:  "There  is  an  interesting 
Indian  legend  associated  with  Snake  Hill. 
I  will  write  it  c  vt  io  ou  some  time, 
Kate." 

While  Mrs.  Harris  is  speaking  the  dark- 
faced,  white-aproned  waiter  announces 
dinner.  They  all  repair  to  the  shadec- 
dining  room,  where,  over  a  luxurious  re- 
past, they  discuss  *rout  and  bass;  the 
Adirondacks  ar^u  the  Thousand  Islands, 
with  the  comparative  pleasures  and  pen- 
alties of  each — hunting,  fishing  and  camp- 
ing. 

Miss  Van  Eyck:  "Father,  did  you  not 
tell  me  that  General  Schuyler  of  the  Rev- 
olalm  was  a  famous  hunter?" 

Judge  Van  Eyck:  "  Yes;  that  v.  '  per- 
haps, one  reason  why  he  had  sn       '-.flTj 
ence  with  the  Indians;   there  ■  o* 

another  in  the  province,  except  the  j--—if 
sons  of  "  Johnson  Hall,"  who  could  man- 
age them  so  well.  General  Schuyler  was 
appointed  Indian  Commissioner  in  1775, 
and  held  that  position  until  long  after  the 
Revolution.  He  was  constantly  called 
upon  by  both  Congress  and  the  State 
Government  to  conciliate  or  cor.ti  ."I  the 
restless  and  influential  tribes  of  the  Six 
Nations.     He  was  a  capital  shot  and  a 


i 


-■■ 


mmm 


A  VISIT  TO  THE  BATTLE  GROUND 


149 


placid  the  laky 
1  feature  Snake 
'onder  it  should 
ne! " 

t  was  probably 
of  rattlesnakes 
nee  exceedingly 
•n.  I  like  such 
icates  a  fact  or 
d  with  the  place 
affectation  that 
•rical  names  to 

s  an  interesting 
"th  Snake  Hill, 
ou  some  time, 

aking  the  dark- 
ter  announces 
to  the  shadet 
a  luxurious  re- 
^nd   bass;    the 
usand  Islands, 
sures  and  pen- 
ding and  camp- 
er, did  you  not 
ler  of  the  Rev- 
;r? " 
that  v: 
id  S1V 
lerf     • 
;ept  iht  j .  -j 
10  could  mciii- 
Schuyler  was 
oner  in  1775, 
long  after  the 
tantly  called 
id  the  State 
•  contijl  the 
s  of  the  Six 
I  shot  and  a 


'  per- 
•  ot 


fine  horseman,  which  seem  to  me  to  be 
incontestable  proofs  of  his  personal  cour- 
age, which  some  prejudiced  persons  have 
called  in  question.  Do  you  think,  Col- 
onel Shelby,  that  a  man  can  handle  a  gun 
with  ease  and  accuracy  during  a  long  life, 
and  be  always  at  home  on  a  horse 
of  high  metal,  and  yet  lack  physical 
courage,  especially  if  he  has  the  princi- 
ples and  instincts  of  a  gentleman,  as  all 
admit  that  General  Schuyler  had?' 

Colonel  Shelby,  laughingly  "Well, 
Judge,  I  believe  General  Gates  was  a 
high-toned  gentleman  in  a  certain  sense, 
yet  he  is  said  to  have  been  an  arrant 
coward.  He  continually  shirked  danger, 
and  at  Camden  ran  like  a  fox  when  the 
hounds  are  in  pursuit.  I  think,  too,  he 
was  a  good  horseman." 

Mr  Winship,  warmly:  "You  are  not 
justified  in  making  such  sweeping  asser- 
tions in  regard  to  General  Gates.  Un- 
fortunately, by  the  force  of  circumstances, 
he  became  the  rival  of  General  Schuyler, 
who  always  showed  a  partizan  spirit,  and, 
like  all  narrow  minded  men,  could  only 
lead  a  clique.  General  Gates  saved  the 
campaign  of  '77  at  the  North,  and  he 
cannot  be  stripped  of  his  laurels.  If  he 
met  with  disasters  at  the  South  after- 
ward, it  is  no  more  than  other  command- 
ers have  suffered,  whose  characters  have 
not  been  questioned.  He  had  no  op- 
portunity to  retrieve  himself  after  that 
defeat  at  Camden,  but  was  immediately 
stripped  of  his  command,  which,  you 
will  remember,  was  given  to  General 
Greene." 

Colonel  Shelby:  "  I  beg  your  pardon, 
sir;  I  really  have  no  feeling  in  this  mat- 
ter, and  have  expressed  a  stronger 
opinion   than  I   entertain.      I   was  but 


quoting  the  statements  of  a  leading  New 
Yorker,  who  is  familiar  with  these  dis> 
puted  points,  and  should  know  more 
about  it  than  I  do." 

Judge  Van  Eyck:  "  You  were  quite  riglt. 
Colonel,  it  requires  little  investigation  to 
iearn  that  General  Gates  deserved  all  the 
censure  he  has  received,  and  more.  He 
was  an  infamous  intriguer  against  Gen- 
eral Washington,  as  well  as  against  Gen- 
eral Schuyler.  His  success  at  Saratoga 
brought  into  full  blossom  the  seeds  of 
his  presumptuous  aspirations.  He  made 
no  report  of  the  surrender  there  to  the 
Commander-in-Chief.  He  sent  it  di- 
rectly, and  only,  to  Congress  bv  Wilkin- 
son, who  was  so  long  in  delivering  it  that 
when  Congress,  overflowing  with  grati- 
tude foi  his  good  tidings,  voted  him  a 
sword,  a  shrewd  Scotchman  observed: 
'  I  think  ye'U  better  gie  the  lad  a  pair  of 
spurs.'  You  know  General  Gates'  con- 
nection v/ith  the  'Conway  Cabal,"  do 
you  not?  If  he  was  not  its  master  spirit, 
he  at  least  labored  to  gain  the  greatest 
possible  advantage  from  its  success.  He 
had  succeeded  in  supplanting  Schuyler; 
he  had  robbed  him  of  his  ripening  fame; 
had  calumniated  and  degraded  him,  yet 
he  considered  this  but  a  stepping  stone 
to  the  main  object  of  his  ambition — the 
chief  command  of  the  whole  army.  The 
extent  of  his  efforts  and  the  support  he 
received  in  Congress  has  never  been  made 
known,  and  never  will  be.  The  sessions 
of  Congress  were  held  with  closed  doors; 
the  after  success  and  continued  popular- 
ity of  Washington  induced  the  members, 
who  had  opposed  him  and  favored  G^tes 
to  be  very  close-mouthed,  while  their 
colleagues  of  the  other  side  were  gener- 
ous,, and  said  nothing.     It  is  well  known 


uaaeuaiuu> 


■^■^ 


I 


150 


A  VISIT  TO  THE  BATTLE  GROUND 


that  Gates  was  constantly  hanging  about 
the  doors  of  Congress;  and  you  know, 
Colonel,  that  to  this  day  the  choice  places 
are  often  secured  by  the  officers  who  fre- 
quent the  capitol,  keep  a  sharp  lookout 
for  their  own  interests,  and  stimulate  the 
ardor  of  their  friends — human  nature  is 
ever  the  same. 

"  It  was  in  the  restless  desire  to  elevate 
Gates   that  John   Adams  ridiculed  the 

*  Fabian '  policy  of  Washington  ;  the 
promptings  of  Gates,  then  in  consulta- 
tion with  Congressional  friends,  pushed 
on  the  bitter  invectives  against  the  un- 
fortunate but  faithful  Generals  of  the 
North,  when  it  was  said  in  Congress: 
'  We  must  shoot  a  General  before  we  can 
win  a  victory.'  In  one  of  the  most  try- 
ing hours  of  Washington's  life,  when  he 
was  giving  orders  for  the  famous  passage 
of  the  Delaware,  Gates  failed  him  as 
usual,  and  made  off  to  Baltimore,  where 
Congress  was  then  in  session;  and,  ac- 
cording to  Wilkinson,  he  spent  the  time 
on  his  journey  criticizing  Washington's 
plan  for  the  winter  campaign,  and  con- 
structing one  of  his  own,  that,  he  said, 
it  was  his  intention  to  propose  to  Con- 
gress. What  sort  of  conduct  was  this 
for  a  military  man,  to  leave  the  fighting 
behind  him,  and  run  after  politicians;  to 
criticize  where  he  should  have  obeyed? 
Upon  my  word,  I  think  it  was  a  worse 

*  run '  than  the  one  at  Camden,  inas- 
much as  fear  is  a  more  inspiriting  mo- 
tive than  deliberate  selfishness." 

Mr.  Winship  :  "  You  have  brought  a 
miscellaneous  set  of  charges  against 
General  Gates,  Judge,  each  of  which 
wouid  require  a  long  explanation,  but 
you  must  admit  that  he  had  some  just 


cause  of  complaint  to  Congress,  and  I 
suppose  he  had  a  right  to  present  his 
grievances  and  try  to  obtain  their  re- 
dress. If  Schuyler  was  superseded  by 
him,  was  he  not  also  superseded  time  and 
again.  If  he  did  not  consider  General 
Washington  infallible,  according  to  your 
own  account,  there  were  many  who 
agreed  with  him,  and  surely  some  undue 
elation  might  be  pardoned  after  such  a 
triumph  as  that  of  Saratoga.  The  flat- 
tery and  4'.dulation  he  received  in  conse- 
quence of  that  might  naturally  have  sug- 
gested the  ambition  you  attribute  to  him, 
if  there  was  already  dissatisfaction  with 
the  chief  of  the  army. 

"  After  the  Conway  difficulty  had  been 
settled,  all  accounts  agree  in  declaring 
that  General  Gates  conducted  him  -elf 
with  great  dignity  and  propriety — as  he 
did,  in  fact,  on  many  trying  occasions. 
Always  in  his  intercourse  with  the  Brit- 
ish, and  with  the  people  of  the  country 
where  his  army  was  located,  from  time 
to  time,  he  displayed  wisdom  and  moder- 
ation. He  was  uncompromising  in  his 
adherence  to  the  great  principles  of  the 
revolution,  and  the  respect  accorded  him 
by  foreigners,  who  judged  dispassionately 
of  the  men  of  those  times,  should  save 
him  from  the  petty  attacks  of  partizan 
feeling." 

Mrs.  Harris  :  "  Mr.  Winship,  how  do 
you  account  for  the  singular  conduct  of 
General  Gates  in  delaying,  after  the  sur- 
render of  Saratoga,  to  reinforce  Wash- 
ington with  the  recruits  that  had  been 
detached  from  the  main  army  ?  Gene- 
ral Morgan  obtained  permission  from 
Gates  to  return  in  advance  of  the  other 
division." 


?ress,  and  I 
present  his 
in  their  re- 
Jerseded  by 
led  time  and 
Jer  General 
ling  to  your 
many   who 
some  undue 
ifter  such  a 
The  flat- 
id  in  conse- 
ly  have  sug- 
)ute  to  him, 
i'action  with 

ty  had  been 
n  declaring 
ed  hiro-elf 
iety — as  he 

occasions, 
th  the  Brit- 
:he  country 

from  time 
and  moder- 
sing  in  his 
pies  of  the 
:orded  him 
assionately 
lould  save 
)f  partizan 

ip,  how  do 
:onduct  of 
;r  the  sur- 
rce  Wash- 
had  been 

?    Gene- 
sion  from 

the  other 


u 
ca 
o 

H 

o 


OS    H 

•X.    S5 

CD        . 


«     i 


y. 

o 

u 

u 
< 

H 
H 
< 


< 

O 

a; 

o 


nf 


wmmmm 


\  \ 


hi 


l,'l 


A  VISIT  TO  THE  BATTLE  GROUND 


'5« 


Mr.  Winship :  "  General  Gates  had 
good  reason  for  believing  that  a  most 
advantageous  movement  could  be  made 
in  this  State " 

Miss  Pelham,  interrupting :  "  Was 
not  Morgan  one  of  the  picturesque 
heroes — a  sort  of  bandit  ?  Bryant  has 
written  some  verses  about  him,  'Our 
band  is  few,  but  true  and  tried.' " 

Mrs.  Harris,  smiling  :  "  The  verses 
relate  to  Marion  and  hi;,  men.  Morgan 
urged  upon  Gates  the  serious  need  of  the 
commander-in-chief  for  the  services  of 
his  corps,  knowing  as  he  did,  that  Wash- 
ington had  organized  it  for  special  pur- 
poses connected  with  his  immediate  com- 
mand, and  a  reluctant  consent  was  ob- 
tained from  Gates  to  allow  its  departure 
in  advance  of  the  other  regiments. 
Washington  had  written  that  the  want 
of  these  troops  from  the  North,  embar- 
rassed all  his  measures.  He  finally  sent 
Colonel  Hamilton  to  hasten  them,  and 
after  great  delay  and  hesitation  on  the 
part  of  Gates,  Hamilton  wrote  to  Wash- 
ington that  he  doubted  whether  he  would 
have  had  a  man  from  the  northern  army 
if  they  could  have  been  kept  with  any 
decency,  yet  Governor  Clinton  had  urged 
Gates  to  forward  the  troops  to  Washing- 
ton's army,  telling  him  that  'upon  its 
success  every  thing  worth  regarding  de- 
pended.' This,  you  will  remember. 
Judge,  was  just  before  the  terrible  winter 
at  Valley  Forge,  and  Washington  must 
have  felt  that  his  misfortunes  during  the 
fall  were  owing  in  a  large  measure  to  the 
sacrifice  he  had  made  in  sending  the  con- 
tinental regiments  to  assist  Gates,  who 
delayed  them  so  unreasonably.  Yet, 
Washington  declared  at  that  time  that, 


if  the  cause  were  advanced,  he  cared  not 
in  what  quarter  it  happened.' " 

Judge  Van  Eyck  :  "  The  delay  of 
Gates  is  similar  to  that  of  Lee,  just  after 
the  fall  of  Fort  Washington ;  he  was  then 
the  hero  of  the  hour,  as  Gates  was  at  this 
time.  The  requests,  entreaties  and  com- 
mands of  Washington  were  alike  disre- 
garded by  Lee,  who  held  on  to  the  troops, 
thinking  he  could  seize  upon  a  favorable 
opportunity  to  strike  a  blow  at  the  British 
in  New  York  City,  and  thus  raise  himself 
over  his  superior.  The  same  desires 
and  the  same  schemes  instigated  Gates ; 
he  cherished  a  hope  that  he  and  Put- 
nam could  drive  Sir  Henry  Clinton  out 
of  New  York  City — thus  a  brilliant  dash, 
that  would  bring  personal  eclat,  filled  the 
minds  of  these  two  men  who  had  little 
conception  of  the  larger  schemes  and 
more  elaborate  end  toward  which  Wash- 
ington was  patiently  toiling.  The  head 
of  each  had  grown  light  with  a  tempo- 
rary triumph  ;  it  requires  the  exercise  of 
greater  qualities  for  a  man  to  preserve 
his  equilibrium  upon  the  summit  of  a 
great  success,  than  to  nse  above  the 
depression  of  a  disastrous  f;.ilure." 

Mrs.  Harris :  "  I  thought  General 
Gates  was  planning  a  winter  campaign 
into  Canada  about  that  time." 

Judge  Van  Eyck  :  "  That  was  later, 
during  the  winter,  when  he  was  head  of 
the  board  of  war.  Do  you  remember 
how  they  had  La  Fayette,  not  then  twenty- 
one  years  old,  appointed  commander  of 
this  expedition,  which  was  a  mere  shadow, 
for  they  never  collected  either  troops  or 
stores  for  it,  but  sent  La  Fayette  and  De 
Kalb  with  a  retinue  of  officers  to  Albany. 
The  poor  young  marquis  wrote  most  pa- 


% 


I  i 


153 


A  VISIT  TO  THE  BATTLE  GROUND 


'1    > 


^hetically  to  Washington,  complaining  of 
the  ludicrous  position  in  which  he  was 
placed,  anr)  which  he  declared  would 
make  hiin  the  laughing  stock  of  Europe. 
The  scheme  was  found  to  be  impracti- 
cable, and  as  usual  Jongress  had  to  re- 
turn to  the  quiet,  far-sighted  methods 
advised  by  Washington." 

Mr.  Winship :  "  Judge,  you  travel 
over  a  great  deal  of  ground  in  making 
out  your  case  against  General  Gates,  but 
some  how  you  have  not  touched  the  im- 
portant point  as  between  Gates  and 
Schuyler.  Was  it  not  a  wise  decision 
that  gave  Gates  the  command  of  the 
northern  army  before  the  battle  of  Sara- 
toga? Why,  T'urg.yne  had  already  run 
Schuyler  nearly  into  Albany.  He  was  at 
Van  Shaick's  Island,  where  he  could  not 
possibly  have  maintained  himself ;  the 
British  could  have  crossed  the  Mohawk 
above  him.  In  fact,  I  think  it  was  by 
the  route  crossing  those  ferries  that  Gene- 
ral Phillips  advised  Burgoyne  to  ad- 
vance from  Lake  George.  Some  persons 
contend  that  Burgoyne's  failure  to  follow 
this  advance  was  the  cause  of  his  dis- 
asters." 

Judge  Van  Eyck ;  "  You  are  mis- 
taken, Mr.  Winship,  about  the  strength 
of  the  position  at  the  mouth  of  the  Mo- 
hawk, and  you  forget  that  General  Schuy- 
ler retained  his  headquarters  at  Still- 
water, and  evidently  intended  to  advance 
his  whole  army  as  soon  as  it  was  in  a 
condition  to  meet  the  enemy.  It  would 
have  been  sheer  madness  to  encounter 
such  an  army  as  Burgoyne's  with  the 
handful  of  militia  Schuyler  then  had, 
and  with  his  scarcity  of  arms  and  ammu- 
nition. Gates  is  excused  six  weeks  later 
for  not  following  up  the  battle  of  the  19th 


of  September,  because  he  was  short  of 
ammunition.  Schuyler,  while  still  at 
Fort  Edward,  had  ordered  the  window 
leads  to  be  taken  from  all  the  houses  in 
Albany,  and  melted  into  balls,  but  it  re- 
quired time  to  carry  out  this  order. 
Gates  reaped  the  benefit  of  it,  and  many 
others.  When  Schuyler  was  at  Van 
Schaick's  Island,  it  may  be  said  that  he 
had  neither  men,  guns,  or  lead.  The 
very  desperation  of  his  condition,  and 
the  efforts  he  made  to  remedy  it  reacted 
in  lifting  Gates  over  his  shoulders." 

Mr.  Winship  :  "  But  Schuyler  was 
responsible  for  the  bad  condition  of 
things  ;  why  had  he  not  collected  the 
mihtia,  prepared  proper  equipments,  and 
placed  himself  in  a  secure  position  before 
this?" 

Judge  Van  Eyck:  "  Gates  was  the  man 
who  should  have  done  that,  if  it  could 
have  been  done,  which  I  doubt.  He  was 
in  command  of  the  Northern  Depart- 
ment during  the  spring,  when  arrange- 
ments should  have  been  perfected  for  the 
summer  campaign.  The  lesson  of  years, 
the  experience  of  every  war  in  this  coun- 
try, proved  that  the  defenses  of  the  Hud- 
son, with  those  of  Lakes  Champlain  and 
George,  would  be  the  first  objects  of  at- 
tack. During  the  previous  winter,  Gen- 
eral Schuyler's  orders  to  his  officers  show 
the  activity  of  his  preparations  for  the 
coming  campaign;  and  just  as  these  orders 
might  have  become  effective  by  the  com- 
bination and  direction  they  would  receive 
from  the  controlling  mind  that  had  con- 
ceived them,  their  force  was  dissipated 
and  destroyed  by  a  change  of  command- 
ers, caused  by  the  restless  ambition  of 
Gates,  then  at  Ticonderoga.  Thus  were 
the  affairs  of  the  department  in  great 


A  VISIT  TO  THE  RATTLE  GROUND 


1S3 


s  short  of 

e    still    at 

le  window 

houses  in 

but  it  re- 

his   order. 

and  raaiiy 

5    at    Van 

id  that  he 

ead.     The 

ition,  and 

it  reacted 

ders." 

luyler  was 

ndition   of 

lected  the 

raents,  and 

ition  before 

ras  the  man 
if  it  could 
)t.  He  was 
m  Depart- 
in  arrange- 
cted  for  the 
jn  of  years, 
1  this  coun- 
»f  the  Hud- 
m  plain  and 
jects  of  at- 
inter,  Gen- 
[ficers  show 
ns  for  the 
hese  orders 
ly  the  com- 
uld  receive 
t  had  con- 
dissipated 
command- 
mbition  of 
Thus  were 
it  in  great 


"'I 


confusion  at  the  most  important  moment, 
for  when  Schuyler  returned  to  the  com- 
mand in  June,  Burgoyne  was  already 
prepared  for  his  advance,  which  was 
made  with  great  rapidity  in  the  begin- 
ning." 

Colonel  Shelby:  '*  I  think  there  is  too 
much  importance  attached  to  the  capa- 
bilities and  actions  of  the  commanders 
of  the  American  army  in  this  campaign. 
We  are  apt  to  forget  the  real  condition  of 
affairs  that  no  immediate  skill  could 
remedy.  The  militia  every  where  were 
reluctant  to  turn  out,  unless  their  own 
neighborhood  was  in  danger,  especially 
at  a  season  when  their  crops  were  to  be 
planted.  The  Continental  army  was  not 
only  small,  but  undisciplined;  it  could 
scarcely  be  said  to  have  an  organizailon 
until  some  months  later,  when  Steuben 
began  his  system  of  training.  The  con- 
ception of  a  Nation  to  be  established  or 
defended  had  but  a  vague  hold  on  the 
minds  of  the  people.  It  was  only  the 
strong  stimulus  of  fear,  indignation  or 
success,  such  as  it  was  the  good  luck  of 
General  Gates  to  strike  upon — caused 
then  by  the  absolute  invasion  of  peace- 
ful homes,  the  cruel  murder  of  Jane 
McCrea,  and  the  victory  of  Bennington 
— that  could  inspire  the  enthusiasm  nec- 
essary to  draw  an  army  together,  and 
push  it  to  victory.  And  when  such  an 
army  was  collected,  it  became  neces- 
sary to  put  it  into  immediate  action,  or  it 
soon  fell  to  pieces.  It  was  tnis  propen- 
sity to  dissolve,  perceptible  to  the  quick 
eye  of  Arnold,  that  led  him  to  write  to 
Gates,  even  when  he  sat  sullenly  in  camp 
without  a  command,  saying  that  he  felt 
in  honor  bound  to  disclose  to  him  the 
restless  impatience  of   his  troops,  who 


were  threatening  to  leave  the  camp  In  large 
numbers,  if  they  were  not  soon  led  into 
some  active  service." 

Mr.  Winship:  "Gates  was  only  using 
a  necessary  precaution  at  that  time,  for 
he  found  great  difficulty  in  obtaining  in- 
formation of  Burgoyne's  movements,  and 
he  had  but  just  begun  the  fortifications 
at  Bemis'  Heights." 

Colonel  Shelby:  "  Yes;  I  remember 
that  this  uncertainty  about  Burgoyne's 
whereabouts  is  mentioned  by  Wilkinson 
in  his  memoirs.  In  his  usual  style,  Wil- 
kinson makes  himself  the  hero  of  a 
reconnoissance  made  by  a  detachment  of 
Morgan's  corps.  The  truth  is  that  Bur- 
goyne's Indians  had  been  too  numerous 
and  too  shrewd  for  all  the  scouts  sent 
out  by  Gates,  who  were  either  captured 
or  deceived.  It  was  finally  determined 
that  Morgan  should  select  one  of  the 
most  couraijeous  and  adroit  of  his  offi- 
cers, who  v/ould  advance  as  near  as  pos- 
sible to  Bui  yne's  camp,  and  obtain 
the  necessary  information,  The  duty 
was  assigned  to  Lieutenant  Hardin,  who 
conducted  it  with  skill  and  success.  lu 
Wilkinson's  narration  of  this  expedition, 
he  pays  a  fine  tribute  to  Hardin's  ser- 
vices later  in  the  war,  while  complacently 
putting  him  in  the  background  on  this 
occasion," 

Miss  Van  Eyck:  "  Father,  is  he  tha  Wil- 
kinson who  says  that  Arnold  was  not  on 
the  battle  field  at  Saratoga  on  the  day 
of  the  first  fight,  and  will  give  him  no 
credit  for  the  second  battle? " 

Judge  Van  Eyck:  "  Well,  Kate,  I  be- 
lieve the  ladies — all  ladies — are  pleased, 
as  you  seem  to  bC;  with  Arnold's  crazy 
capers.  He  may  have  done  some  good 
service  at  Saratoga,  but  after  all  he  was 


«54 


A  VISIT  TO  TJIE   nATTLE  GROUND 


i| 


i  t: 


1 

i 

'  x''iF^B  M        Si  Ti 

ffln  1 

i'/i 

■,  it 

) 

1 

1 

i*^ 

vf 

" 

a  reckless,  headstrong  scoundrel.  I 
don't  like  like  to  find  young  people  cher- 
ishing any  sentimental  regard  for  him." 

Mr.  Winship:  "  It  is  a  question,  I  think, 
when  a  man  yields  to  a  great  temptation 
and  comniits  an  ignominious  act,  whether 
this  should  throw  discredit  on  his  former 
conduct." 

Judge  Van  Eyck:  "  I  do  not  think  it 
should.  And  I  am  sure  that  Arnold,  in  urg- 
ing upon  Gates  the  necessity  of  meeting 
Burgoyne  on  the  19th  of  September,  was 
actuated  by  the  most  honorable  motives, 
and  that  his  judgment  was  correct ;  it  is 
probable,  too,  that  if  Burgoyne  had  not 
been  attacked  as  he  was,  that  he  would 
have  driven  Gates  back  to  Albany,  or 
further." 

The  ladies  of  the  party  now  excused 
themselves,  and  wandered  down  to  the 
lake  shore.  The  gentlemen  disposing 
themselves  comfortably,  and  lighting 
their  cigars,  continued  the  conversation. 

Colonel  Shelby:  "Do  you  know  it  is 
frequently  said  now  that  neither  of  the 
battles  of  Saratoga  were  necessary?  I  do 
not  know.  Judge,  whether  you  belong  to 
the  party  that  claims  General  Schuyler 
had  '  bagged  the  game '  before  General 
Gates  arrived  in  camp.  They  say  that 
Burgoyne's  fate  was  inevitable  from  the 
time  that  Stark  annihilated  the  German 
regiments  at  Bennington,  Schuyler  hav- 
ing previously  stripped  the  country  of 
provisions  so  completely  as  to  paralyze 
Burgoyne  s  movements.  You  know  it 
has  been  said  that  '  an  army  moves  on 
its  belly,'  which  is  true;  the  strictest  dis- 
cipline, the  staunchest  courage  and  best 
equipments  are  useless,  if  soldiers  are 
poorly  fed.  In  modern  warfare,  the 
commissariat  is  justly  considered  the 
heart  of  the  army." 


Mr.  Winship:  "Confirming  the  adage, 
'that  a  man's  heart  lies  in  his  stomach.' 
I  can  easily  believe  that  his  courage  does; 
we  are  all  liable  to  grow  faint-hearted 
waiting  for  a  long  delayed  meal." 

Judge  Van  Eyck :  "  It  is  certain  that  Bur- 
goyne's precarious  position  was  owing  in  a 
large  measure  to  this  difficulty.  *  Every 
pound  of  pork  he  distributed  was  brought 
from  Ireland; '  and  among  the  three  causes 
of  failure  specified  by  Burgoyne's  latest 
biographer,  one  is  a  '  want  of  administra- 
tive arrangement  and  preparedness  in 
the  essentials  of  army  supply.'  Yet  I 
am  far  from  thinking  that  this  scarcity  of 
provisions  would  have  led  to  Burgoyne's 
capture." 

Colonel  Shelby:  "  Have  you  noticed 
some  statements  lately  that  assert  it  was 
St.  Clair,  instead  of  Sohuyler,  who  im- 
peded Wood  Creek,  and  felled  trees  on 
the  road  between  Skenesborough  and 
Fort  Edward?" 

Judge  Van  Eyck  :  "  I  have  a  sincere 
respect  for  General  St.  Clair,  who  suf- 
fered undeservedly  so  many  misfortunes, 
but  I  am  sure  he  would  have  indulged  in 
a  dry,  incredulous  smile  at  that  sugges- 
tion. He  was  plodding  his  way  through 
the  wilderness  from  Castleton,  and  quite 
to  the  east,  while  Schuyler  was  destroy- 
ing the  road  between  Sl»enesborough  and 
Fort  Edward,  where  St.  Clair  joined  him 
after  his  mysterious  disappearance  of 
several  days.  It  is  true  Colonel  Long, 
of  St.  Clair's  division,  after  his  gallant 
fight  of  Fort  Anne,  had  rocks  rolled  into 
the  creek  as  he  retreated,  but  this  was  a 
small  matter  compared  with  the  work 
that  was  done.  Schuyler's  orders  to 
Generals  Fellows  and  Nixon,  and  many 
others,  dated  at  Fort  Edward,  before  St. 
Clair  arrived,  show  what  active  measures 


HJ 


ng  the  adage, 
his  stomach.' 
courage  does; 
faint-hearted 
meal." 

rtain  that  Bur- 
vas  owing  in  a 
ulty,  '  Every 
i  was  brought 
e  three  causes 
joyne's  latest 
if  administra- 
paredness  in 
)ply.'  Yet  I 
lis  scarcity  of 
o  Burgoyne's 

you  noticed 
assert  it  was 
ler,  who  im- 
lled  trees  on 
)orough   and 


ive  a  sincere 
air,  who  suf- 
misfortunes, 
!  indulged  in 
that  sugges- 
way  through 
in,  and  quite 
ivas  destroy- 
borough  and 
r  joined  him 
pearance  of 
alonel  Lonej, 
•  his  gallant 
s  rolled  into 
it  this  was  a 
h  the  work 
5  orders  to 
I,  and  many 
i,  before  St. 
ve  measures 


^1 

•it  I 


Ill 

:f 
,    'hi 


u 
m 
o 

H 
U 

o 

X 

u 

u 
u. 


o 

Q 


OS 


o; 


c 
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u 

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d 

c 

c 


J   CO 

a  a 
u 

uo 
W 
U 

u 


A  VISIT  TO  THE  UATTLE  GROUND 


iSS 


05 
W 
09 
O 
H 
U 
O 

5^ 

U 


H  W 

o  5 

Q 
05  5 


t/) 

< 

05 

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U 

HI 

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U 
U 

u 


he  was  taking  to  impede  the  roads,  and 
to  strip  the  country  of  provisions  and 
wagons  that  might  aid  the  enemy.  He 
also  gave  the  most  careful  orders  in  re- 
gard to  the  intimidation  of  tories,  and 
encouragement  of  patriots,  and  for  secur- 
ing the  guns  and  stores  at  Fort  George, 
and  at  the  same  time  he  was  using  the 
utmost  vigilance  to  protect  the  western 
frontier.  I  tell  you,  sir  ;  the  energy,  the 
extraordinary  business  capacity  and  the 
unflinching  courage  of  Schuyler,  exer- 
cised at  that  time,  when  all  was  dark 
and  threatening,  saved  the  campaign  of 
'77.  It  was  at  the  very  moment  when 
Burgoyne  considered  himself  invincible, 
and  was  prepared  to  push  rapidly  for- 
ward, that  Schuyler,  with  a  shattered, 
despairing,  empty-handed  luadof  men, 
put  shovels  and  axes  in  tl  ir  hands,  and 
urging,  scolding,  and  imploring,  pushed 
them  right  and  left  to  turn  the  very  trees 
and  rocks  into  frowning  defences  and 
sheltering  walls,  that  would  conceal  the 
weakness  of  his  force." 

Mr.  Winship  :  "  1  do  not  deny  that, 
Judge,  but  why  had  Schuyler  so  weak  a 
force  ?  Because  he  had  not  the  qualities 
necessary  to  collect  or  keep  an  army,  or 
keep  it  together  at  that  time.  His  aris- 
tocratic, overbearing  manners  made  him 
repulsive  to  the  militia;  he  had  no  influ- 
ence over  them,  and  his  partizan  feelings 
separated  him  from  many  of  the  officers. 
He  could  not  stand  even  behind  the  de- 
fences he  had  made,  but  was  compelled 
to  retreat  again  and  again.  When  Gates 
took  the  command,  he  immediately  ad- 
vanced, posted  himself  in  a  strong  po- 
sition, and  then  set  about  surrounding 
Burgoyne  on  every  side.  He  succeeded 
in  doing  this,  and  thus  he  obviated  the 


necessity  for  an  open  fight.  1  believe 
General  Gates  was  right  in  wishing  to 
avoid  such  a  risk.  Was  it  not  a  neces- 
sary precaution.  Colonel .'" 

Colonel  Shelby  :  "  O,  no,  sir  !  You 
are  mistaken.  The  Americans  were 
much  better  at  a  dash  or  a  skirmish  in 
the  woods  than  behind  entrenchments. 
The  plan  of  Burgoyne  for  the  19th  of 
September,  was  a  skillful  one,  and  he  had 
the  means  for  success,  while  his  chances 
were  very  fair.  Gates  had  not  com- 
pleted the  entrenchments  at  Bemis' 
Heights.  When  he  was  informed  of 
Burgoyne's  advance,  he  had  the  baggage 
wagons  packed,  and  they  stood  in  long 
lines  behind  the  camp  the  whole  day,  in 
readiness  for  a  retreat,  which  he  evi- 
dently thought  would  be  necessary.  If 
the  army  had  remained  quietly  behind 
their  works,  as  Gates  intended  they 
should  do,  it  is  highly  probable  that 
Burgoyne  would  have  accomplished  his 
design.  In  that  event  the  American 
camp  would  have  been  laid  open  to  him 
in  the  identical  way  in  which  the  British 
camp  was  exposed  to  our  troops  after 
the  capture  of  Breyman's  redoubt,  in 
the  battle  of  the  7th.  If  Burgoyne  had 
been  permitted  to  advance  but  little 
further  than  he  really  did,  when  his 
forces  encountered  Morgan,  he  would 
have  gained  possession  of  the  heights 
from  which  Morgan,  in  the  last  battle, 
hurled  himself  upon  Frazer's  five  hun- 
dred. These  heights  commanded  the 
left  of  the  American  camp,  and  Phillips' 
artillery  would  soon  have  bristled  among 
those  trees,  and  swept  Gates  from  Bemis' 
Heights,  as  Burgoyne  was  swept  from 
his  camp  on  the  night  of  the  7th  of  Oc- 
tober.    No,  sir ;  it  was  not  mere  impa- 


4 


I 


156 


A  VISIT  TO  THE  BATTLE  GROUND 


tience  that  Jnstigaied  Arnold  ;  he  had 
the  eye  and  the  spirit  of  a  soldier,  wretch 
as  he  afterwards  proved  himself.  His 
entreaties  to  be  allowed  to  meet  Bur- 
goyne's  advance  saved  the  American 
camp  on  the  19th  of  September,  and  the 
check  received  then  was  after  all  the 
first  insurmountable  obstacle  that  Bur- 
goy-o  had  encountered.  7t  was  Arnold's 
desperate  valor  in  the  next  contest  that 
drove  Burgoyne  back  upon  his  retreat, 
and  into  the  terrible  circle  where  the 
cautious  Gates  finally  came  up  and  se- 
cured him,  and  there  is  no  doubt  but  the 
roar  of  Sir  Henry  Clinton's  artillery  on 
the  lower  Hudson  caused  him  to  let  his 
^ame  out  on  easy  terms." 
"  Mi-  Winship:  "  Well,  really.  Colonel,  I 
thought  you  were  going  to  take  an  im  • 
partial  view  of  these  matte. J,  but  you 
are  as  prejudiced  as  the  Judge.  You 
must  admit,  however,  that  if  Clinton 
had  followed  up  the  advantage  he  gained 
on  the  Hudson,  as  it  was  reasonable  xo 
suppose  he  would,  there  could  have  been 
no  question  about  the  importance  of 
Gates'  securing  the  surrender  with  all 
possible  despatch." 

Colonel  Shelby:  "  That  is  a  strong 
point  for  General  Gates;  under  the  cir- 
cumstances, it  was  wise  for  him  to  hurry, 
but  he  had  Burgoyne  so  completely  in 
his  power  that  he  might  easily  have  dic- 
tated his  own  terms.  Did  you  ever  no- 
tice. Judge,  in  the  accounts  of  these 
battles  how  vaguely  the  American  artill- 
ery is  mentioned,  and  yet  it  evidently 
contributed  largely  to  the  successful  re- 
sult? We  are  told  the  story  of  the  can- 
non ball  that  struck  the  table  around 
which  Burgoyne  and  his  officers  sat  while 
considering  the  necessity  for  capitula- 


tion, and  we  can  realize  how  pcwerrifl 
an  argi^ment  it  was  in  hastening  the  de- 
cision. We  hear  poetic  allusions  to  the 
cannon  balls  that  fell  among  the  officers 
who  stood  around  Frazer'i.  grave,  and  of 
other  balls  tearing  through  the  house 
where  Madame  Riedesel  and  many 
wounded  had  taken  refuge.  She  repeat- 
edly refers  to  the  terrific  cannonading, 
especially  on  the  afternoon  of  the  loth 
of  October,  when  a  halt  was  made  at 
old  Saratoga,  and  the  British  were  thrown 
into  'great  confusion  and  disorder; '  but 
all  these  hints  are  vague;  there  is  no  ac- 
count of  the  position  in  which  the  guns 
were  placed,  either  during  the  battles  or 
afterwards,  but  some  of  these  positions 
are  found  on  British  military  maps;  and 
little  mention  of  the  officers  who  cora- 
roanded  them." 

Judge  Van  Eyck:  "  You  know,  I  sup- 
pose*, that  Major  Stevens  had  command 
of  the  artillery  of  the  Northern  Depart- 
ment at  that  time.  In  the  retreat  from 
Ticonderoga,  he  took  a  number  of  his 
guns  on  the  batteaux,  but  they  were  lost, 
of  course,  at  Skenesborough.  In  Au- 
gust, he  wrote  from  Stillwater  to  General 
Knox  that  he  was  actively  engaged  in 
preparations  for  an  attack  from  the  en- 
emy. He  undoubtedly  handled  the  ar- 
tillery very  skillfully,  not  only  in  the 
battles  of  Saratoga,  but  in  the  intervals 
of  waiting  he  gave  Burgoyne  continual 
reminders  of  the  precarious  position  he 
occupied,  and  during  the  last  days  be- 
fore the  armistice  that  preceded  the 
surrender,  the  artillery  harrassed  the 
British  incessantly.  Major  Stevens'  con- 
duct was  apprecia'~i  at  the  time,  for 
he  received  a  resolution  of  thanks  from 
Congress  for  his  efficient  services,  and 


I 


U 


low  pcwerrifl 
ning  the  de- 
usions  to  the 
;  the  officers 
jrave,  and  of 
I   the  house 
and    many 
She  repeat- 
annonading, 
of  the  loth 
as  made  at 
were  thrown 
iorder; '  but 
iie  is  no  ac- 
ch  the  guns 
le  battles  or 
se  positions 
maps;   and 
»  who  cora- 

low,  I  sup- 
command 
irn  Depart- 
:treat  from 
iber  of  his 
r  were  lost, 
In  Au- 
to General 
ngaged  in 
m  the  en- 
id  the  ar- 
ly  in  the 
3  intervals 
continual 
osition  he 
:  days  be- 
aded   the 
ssed    the 
'ens'  con- 
time,  for 
nks  from 
ices,  and 


A  VISIT  TO  THE  BATTLE  GROUND 


157 


strict  attention  to  duty,  while  command- 
ing officer  of  artillery  of  the  Northern 
Department." 

Colonel  Shelby:  "  I  am  glad  to  know 
that.  In  fact,  our  best  histories  are 
very  deficient  in  many  particulars  that 
are  full  of  interest,  and  are  of  importance 
in  any  effort  to  understand  the  events  of 
the  revolutionary  period.  It  is  perhaps 
because  the  records  of  public  men,  their 
letters  and  official  papers,  are  still  in  pos- 
session of  private  families,  many  of 
which  do  not  know  the  value  of  the  pa- 
pers they  hold." 

Judge  Van  Eyck  :  "  It  is  a  subject 
on  which  the  people  need  instruction, 
and  in  which  their  interest  should  be 
aroused.  There  is  scarcely  an  event, 
or  a  single  individual  even  remotely  con- 
nected with  the  revolution  that  has  not 
an  historic  interest.  This  was  peculi- 
arly so  in  regard  to  private  soldiers  and 
subordinate  officers,  who  Avere  so  often 
persons  of  influence  outside  of  the  army, 
and  whose  opinions  and  actions  were  of 
more  consequence  than  their  rank  would 
indicate." 

Mr.  Winship:  That  is  true.  Judge, 
and  is  the  reason  why  the  New  England 
men  were  so  often  misunderstood  and 
berated  by  Schuyler  and  other  aristo- 
cratic New  Yorkers.  Every  man  from 
New  England  knew  he  was  a  power  in 

himself." 

Judge  Van  Eyck:  "Yes,  they  had 
conceit  enough.  That  might  have  been 
overlooked  if  their  actions  had  corres- 
ponded with  their  opinion  of  themselves, 
but  unfortunately,  when  the  fighting  or 
hard  service  was  at  hand,  they  too  often 
made  off  for  home.  They  were  an  in- 
subordmate,  hard-headed  set." 


Mr.  Winship  :  "  Perhaps  so,  when 
under  the  direction  of  purse-profd  Dutch 
New  Yorkers.  When  officered  by  men 
in  whom  they  had  confidence,  the  New 
England  militia  were  invincible.  Re- 
member what  they  did  at  Bennington,  at 
Saratoga,  and  in  the  detachments  sent 
out  by  Lincoln." 

Judge  Van  Eyck :  "  Well,  Mr.  Win- 
ship, you  and  I  will  have  to  compromise. 
When  you  come  down  to  my  country 
house,  you  must  read  the  letters  and  or- 
ders of  General  Schuyler,  which  furnish 
an  authentic  history  of  what  he  did,  and 
endeavored  to  do  during  the  Saratoga 
campaign.  They  are  a  complete  vindi- 
cation of  every  charge  that  has  been 
brought  against  him." 

Mr.  Winship  :  "  I  will  be  glad  to  ob- 
tain any  new  information  on  this  subject, 
but  I  am  confident  that  although  General 
Schuyler  may  be  thoroughly  vindicated, 
that  General  Gates  cannot  be  justly  the 
subject  of  censure.  He  must  be  ac 
knowledged  at  all  times  as  a  skillful,  hu- 
mane, and  dignified  commander,  and 
the  hero  of  Saratogr  " 

Colonel  Shelby  :  "  I  think,  gentlemen, 
we  had  better  go  and  find  the  ladies." 
It  grows  dark  in-doors,  and  the  gentlemen 
walk  down  the  hill  to  the  lake  shore. 
They  join  the  ladies  who  sit  on  the 
benches,  or  walk  about  enjoying  the 
moonlight.  A  sail  boat  lies  at  anchor 
near  the  pier,  and  Mr.  Winship  proposes 
a  sail.  The  boat  is  immediately  se- 
cured ;  he  steps  on  board  and  adjusts 
the  sails.  Colonel  Shelby  follows,  and 
takes  the  rudder.  Miss  Van  Eyck  seats 
herself  near  Mr.  Winship,  and  Miss  Pel- 
ham  is  beside  the  Colonel,  who  disposes 
his  long  limbs  rccliningly,  and  lingers  over 


158 


A  VISIT  TO  THE  BATTLE  GROUND 


his  appointed  w  k  with  a  genuine  spirit 
of  relaxation.  Mr.  Winship  puts  the  lit- 
tle vessel  under  full  sail,  and  they  soon 
glide  out  toward  Snake  Hill.  They  chat 
merrily  for  a  few  minutes,  but  soon  the 
silence  of  the  night,  the  darkness  of  the 
water  near  them  and  its  shimmering 
brightness  in  the  distance;  the  undu- 
lating, wooded  shores  of  the  lake,  ac- 
cented by  its  legend-haunted,  strongly 
marked  promontory,  Snake  Hill,  the  dis- 
tant sky  that  here  seems  lifted  to  such 
incomprehensible  heights — all  contribute 
to  subdue  gaiety  and  arouse  deeper  emo- 
tions. As  they  drift  on  the  artificial 
world  seems  left  behind.  The  conven- 
tionalisms of  society  disappear — Parisian 
elegancies,  military  restraint,  Boston  pos- 
itiveness,  and  shy  dignity  are  forgotten; 
the  simplicity  and  earnestness  of  na- 
ture asserts  itself  in  the  human  soul,  in 
harmony  with  the  spirit  that  pervades 
the  surrounding  scene.  Colonel  Shelby 
in  low  tones  and  picturesque  language 
tells  a  wild,  tragic  story  of  life  in  Neva- 
da; he  speaks  of  the  towering  mountains 
and  tumbling  cataracts  amid  which  the 
scene  took  place. 

Miss  Pelham,  in  an  awed  voice:  "Col- 
onel, your  story  oppresses  me;  I  do  not 
like  to  hear  of  those  savage  people,  and 
the  thought  of  their  immense  moun- 
tains is  terrible;  how  much  more  pleas- 
ing are  these  sloping  hills  and  this  quiet 
lake;  one  could  not  imagine  a  tragedy 
taking  place  here." 

Miss  Van  Eyck,  speaking  gently:  "It 
was  not  far  from  here  that  the  awful 
tragedy  of  war  was  played.  Perhaps 
you  will  all  think  that  I  am  battle-struck, 
but  my  mind  is  full  of  this  expedition  to 
Bemis  Heights,  and  I  feel  as  if  we  might 


be  going  there  now  as  we  glide  over  this 
lake;  it  takes  us  so  much  nearer.  Some 
of  the  people  who  fled  before  Burgoyne's 
army  came  on  canoes  through  Fish 
Creek  and  into  this  lake.  How  anxious 
and  yet  indignant  they  must  have  been; 
how  different  from  the  peacefulness  that 
we  feel  now  ! — and  yet  the  lake  is  as  it 
was;  how  insignificant  it  makes  one  feel 
to  think  of  this — that  we  come  and  go 
as  time  flows  on  and  are  never  the  same, 
and  yet  the  hills,  the  waters  and  the  sky 
remain  fixed,  immovable." 

Mr.  Winship:  "Not  immovable.  Miss 
Kate;  they  change,  but  under  fixed  laws, 
and  so  do  we;  no  doubt  we  feel  the  same 
fears,  anxieties  and  hopes  that  the  peo- 
ple of  those  revolutionary  times  did, 
only  our  sensations  are  directed  into 
other  channels.  Indignation  and  terror, 
despair  and  love,  hold  the  same  sway 
over  us  now  as  then." 

Miss  V.^.n  Eyck,  to  Mr.  Winship: 
"  Don't  you  think  Lady  Ackland  dis- 
played a  more  heroic  love  than  any  that 
can  be  found  at  the  present  day  ? — and 
by  the  way,  you  said  you  could  tell  me 
something  more  about  her  than  I  yet 
know.  Her  adventures  are  an  appropri- 
ate subject  for  such  a  place  as  this.  How 
strangely  she  must  have  felt  while  in  that 
little  boat  that  carried  her  >om  the  Brit- 
ish camp  to  the  Americans;  it  was  not  a 
night  like  this,  it  was  dark  and  stormy. 
But  tell  me,  Mr.  Winship,  what  you  know 
of  her." 

Mr.  Winship:  "I  will,  Miss  Kate, 
most  gladly,  if  you  will  first  sing  me  a 
song." 

Miss  Van  Eyck,  evidently  in  a  yield- 
ing mood:  "I  will  sing  a  song  of  the 
Hudson  in  a  storm," 


i 


A  VISIT  TO  THE  BATTLE   GROUND 


159 


lide  over  tliis 
earer.  Some 
■e  Burgoyne's 
lirough  Fish 
How  anxious 
It  have  been; 
efulness  that 
lake  is  as  it 
akes  one  feel 
ome  and  go 
^er  the  same, 
and  the  sky 

)vable,  Miss 
r  fixed  laws, 
feel  the  same 
bat  the  peo- 

times  did, 
rected  into 
1  and  terror, 

same  sway 

r.   Winship: 
ckland  dis- 
an  any  that 
day  ? — and 
Juld  tell  me 
than  I  yet 
n  appropri- 
I  this.  How 
^hile  in  that 
m  the  Brit- 
was  not  a 
nd  stormy. 
t  you  know 

liss    Kate, 
sing  me  a 

in  a  yield, 
ng  of  the 


SONG. 

On  thy  bosom  angry  river, 

Still  I  safely  rest  and  dream, 
Knowing  thee  a  faithful  iover, 
Though  dark  passions  I  discover 

Mid  the  lightnings  fitful  gleam. 

Oft  when  thou  wert  calmly  smiling. 
Stormy  griefs  I  whispered  thee, 

And  forgot  them  while  reclining 

On  thy  bosom— thou  beguiling 
Me  to  dreams  of  ecstasy. 

Now  I  love  thee  for  thy  raging. 

Like  my  soul's  unrestful  ways. 
Storms  or  sunshine  thee  engaging, 
Still  my  wot-,  thou  art  assuaging. 
Lover  thou  who  ne'er  betrays. 

Soft  and  clear  the  rich  tones  of  Kate 
Van  Eyck's  voice  float  out  on  the  moon- 
lighted air.  As  she  finishes,  a  deep 
quiet  prevails. 

Mr.  Winship  in  low>  distinct  tones: 

"  'To  gallant  Gates,  in  war  serenely  brave. 
The  tide  of  fortune  turns  its  refluent  wave; 
Forced  by  his  arms,  the  bold  invaders  yie'd 
The  prize  and  glory  of  the  well-fought  field; 
Bleeding  and  lost  the  captured  Ackland  lies—.' 


He  is  in  the   hands  of  the  enemy,  quite 
helpless,  wounded  in  1   ith   legs.       His 
valet,  who  is  warmly  attachea  to  him, 
is  groping  about  in  the  darkness  among 
the  wounded  on  the  open  field,  in  the 
chill,  autumn  night,  peering  into    dead 
and  suffering  faces,  examining  the  cloth- 
ing of  the  killed  and  mangled,  patiently 
passing  from  group  to  group  of  prostrate 
officers  and  men  in  his  sad  search.     He 
forgets  that  he  is  approaching  the  ene- 
my, but  is  suddenly  reminded  of  their 
proximity  by  a  sudden  shock  and  fall; 
in   struggling   to   rise   he   finds   himself 
wounded    in    the     shoulder.     Bleeding 
profusely,  it  is  with  difficulty  he  gets  back 
to  the  camp."  • 


Miss  Van  Eyck  :  "  Was  he  the  same 
man  who  saved  his  master's  life  when  the 
tent  was  burning  ?" 

Mr.  Winship  :     "  I  don't  think  he  was. 
Major  Ackland  seems  to  have  inspired 
an  ardent  affection  in  all  who  surrounded 
him.     The  man  who  twice  in  the  same 
night  risked  his  life  to  save  the  Major's, 
was  a  sergeant.     The  tent  occupied  by 
Major  Ackland   and  his  wife  took  fire 
from  a  candle  upset  by  a  favorite  dog. 
Lady  Ackland  was  soon   aroused,   and 
crept  out  under  the  side  of  the  tent,  at 
the  same  time  the  sergeant  eniered  it. 
He  found  the  Major  in  a  profound  sleep 
and   carried  him  out  in   his  arms.     As 
soon  as  contact  with  the  air  had  aroused 
the  sleeper,  he  saw  the  condition  of  af- 
fairs, and  not  knowing  that  his  wife  had 
escaped,  he  immediately  rushed  into  the 
flames  to  rescue  her.     He  was  overcome 
with  the  fire  and  smoke,  and  would  prob- 
ably have  been  smothered  had  not  the 
sergeant  followed  him  and  again  dragged 
him  from  the  flames." 

Miss  Pelham:  "Wasn't  it  strange 
they  should  have  a  pet  dog  on  such  an 
expedition  ?" 

Mr.  Winship  :  "  Many  of  the  officers 
had  dogs.  They  were  probably  hunting 
dogs,  and  no  doubt  they  expected  to 
have  much  pleasure  hunting  in  the  wild 
forests  of  New  York.  They  tell  of  a  dog 
belonging  to  Lord  Balcarras,  that  had  a 
curious  escape  from  death  when  the 
army  encamped  at  Crown  Point,  on  its 
way  down  the  lake." 

Colonel  Shelby  :  "  Did  you  know  the 
Earl  Balcarras  was  a  very  young  man, 
and  '  fleshed  his  maiden  sword '  at  Hub- 
bar  dton?" 

Mr.  Winship:     "An  interesting  fact, 


« 


V 

u\ 

1 

1 

f 

fi 

I 

} 

1 

I    1^ 


il  I 


i6o 


A  VISIT  TO  THE  BATTLE  GROUND 


Colonel,  but  to  continue  my  story : 
large  trees  were  being  cut  down.  One 
Off  them  fell  directly  on  the  dog,  and  by 
its  weight  seemed  to  bury  him  in  the 
earth.  The  dog  was  unusually  intelli- 
gent and  quick  ;  he  had  became  a  favor- 
ite in  the  camp — there  was  a  general 
rush  for  his  rescue  by  the  soldiers 
around.  Some  of  them  said  it  was  no 
use  trying  to  get  him  out  of  his  hole;  of 
course  he  was  dead,  but  others  chopped 
diligently  at  the  great  tree,  and  soon 
lifted  the  heavy  log  from  his  back,  when 
to  the  astonishment  of  all,  the  dog  trot- 
ted off  in  apparently  good  condition  and 
spirits." 

Colonel  Shelby  :  "  He  must  have  been 
imbedded  in  soft,  alluvial  soil  in  such  a 
way  as  to  relieve  him  of  the  weight  of 
the  tree  and  the  force  of  its  Tall." 

Miss  Van  Eyck :  "  Do  you  know 
whether  Lady  Ackland  was  as  beautiful 
as  she  was  lovely  in  character  ?  " 

Mr.  Winship  :  I  have  seen  a  print 
of  her  from  a  portrait  by  Rivers — one  of 
the  most  interesting  faces  I  ever  saw  ; 
the  features  are  classical  and  the  express- 
ion spiritual;  the  dress,  too,  is  pictur- 
esque. You  can  easily  believe  her  to 
have  been  one  of  those  women  who  give 
and  inspire  an  extraordinary  affection, 
one  that  would  stimulate  a  man  to  great 
deeds,  that  would  keep  active  the  higher 
sentiments  of  his  nature." 

Colonel  Shelby :  "  Ton  my  word, 
Winship,  I  don't  like  to  spoil  your  pretty 
romance,  but  I  have  no  doubt  but  Ack- 
land was  just  such  a  wine-bibbing,  fox- 
hunting fellow  as  the  rest  of  those  British 
officers." 

Mr.  AVinship  :  "  But  we  know,  Colo- 
nel, that  Ackland  not  only   performed 


heroic  deeds  on  every  field,  and  was 
repeatedly  wounded,  but  that  he  was 
actuated  by  high  and  honorable  senti- 
ments. The  very  fact  that  these  traits 
were  not  swallowed  up  in  the  indulgence 
of  coarser  tastes  shows  that  there  was 
some  strong  influence  at  work  to  coun- 
teract sensuality,  and  keep  active  his 
higher  nature.  The  conduct  of  Lady 
Ackland,  as  well  as  her  appearance,  indi- 
cate that  hers  was  the  purifying  spirit 
that  guided  and  influenced  him.  When 
she  joined  her  husband  in  the  American 
camp,  she  was  received  by  General  Gates 
with  the  greatest  tenderness  and  respect. 
Indeed,  I  think  it  is  hard  to  suppose 
that  a  man  who  showed  as  manly  and 
noble  traits  in  his  treatment  of  women 
as  Gates  always  did,  should  have  been  a 
coward.  Surely,  Colonel,  we  can  draw 
as  just  a  conclusion  from  this,  as  the 
Judge  did  from  General  Schuyler's  horse- 
manship." 

Colonel  Shelby  :  ''  Perhaps  so.  But 
he  must  indeed  have  been  a  mist  i  able 
poltroon  who  would  have  done  less  for 
Lady  Ackland,  arriving  in  camp  under 
such  circumstances." 

Mr.  Winship  :  "  Her  husband  soon 
recovered.  Miss  Kate;  but  after  their 
return  to  England  he  was  shot  in  a  duel 
caused  by  his  defence  of  the  valor  of  the 
American  troops.  The  sudden  shock  of 
his  death  affected  Lady  Ackland's  mind  ; 
she  was  insane  two  years,  but  was  finally 
restored  and  found  consolation  in  the 
affection  of  Mr.  Brudenell,  whom  she 
afterwards  married.  He  was  the  chap- 
lain who  perfoimed  the  ceremony  at 
Frazer's  funeral,  and  he  had  also  accom- 
panied Lady  Ackland  on  that  perilous 
boat-ride   between    the  two  camps;  her 


fV^' 


mm^m" 


A  VISIT  TO  THE  BATTLE  GROUND 


i6i 


husband's  faithful  valet,  although  wound- 
ed, also  went  with  h;ir.  A  sister  of  Lady 
Ackland,  Lady  Susan  O'Brien  (they 
were  both  daughters  of  Lord  Holland) 
was  visiting,  at  the  beginning  of  the  revo- 
lution. Sir  William  Johnson,  in  the  Mo- 
hawk valley.  No  doubt  the  sisters  were 
together  in  Canada,  before  Lady  Harriet 
joined  her  husband  at  Skenesborough. 
I  believe  she  wrote  a  narrative  of  the 
campaigns  in  which  she  followed  the 
army  in  America. 


IV. 

"  After  the  thunder-storm  our  heaven  is  blue  : 
Far  off,  along  the  borders  of  the  sky, 
In  silver  folds  the  clouds  of  battle  lie, 
With  soft  consoling  sunlight  shining  through; 
And  round  the  sweeping  circle  of  yon  hills 
The  crashing  cannon-thrills 
Have  faded  from  the  memory  of  the  air. 
And  Summer  pou  rs  from  unexhausted  fountains 
Her  bliss  on  yonder  mountains  : 
The  camps  are  tenantless  ;   the  breastworks 

bare  ; 
Earth  keeps  no  stain  where   hero-blood  was 
poured : 
The  hornets  humming  on  their  wings  of  lead. 
Have  ceased  to  sting,  their  angry  swarms  are 
dead. 
And,  harmless  in  its  scabbard,  rusts  the  sword !" 

The  day  is  shadowy.  A  brilliant  sun 
rides  high  in  the  heavens  above  a  pale 
blue,  far-reaching  sky.  Great  drifting 
silvery  clouds  float  slowly  from  the  east, 
throwing  dark  shadows  on  the  distant 
hills  and  fields — r.nd  one,  a  van-guard, 
casts  its  gloom  so  long  over  the  broad 
street  facing  the  great  hotels,  that  the 
day  seems  dark.  Under  its  softened 
light,  Kate  Van  Eyck  strf^lls  quietly,  pen- 
sively across  the  lawn  from  the  cottage 


piazza,  Mr.  Winship  following  her  silent- 
ly. They  join  the  other  members  of 
their  party  who  are  starting  for  their  ride 
to  the  battle  ground.  Mrs.  Harris  is  al- 
ready seated  in  the  landau.  Miss  Van 
Eyck,  Mr.  Winship  and  Judge  Van  Eyck 
take  their  places  with  her,  and  they  are 
driven  off  toward  the  laka  on  Union 
Avenue, 

Colonel  Shelby  and  Miss  Pelham  have 
decided  to  visit  Schuylerville  instead  of 
Bemis  Height,  and  the  Colonel  turns  the 
heads  of  the  horses  that  draw  their  light 
buggy  towards  the  Town  Hall,  where 
they  turn  into  Lake  Avenue,  and  thence 
follow  the  Schuylerville  road. 

Miss  Pelham  :  "  Colonel,  I  do  not 
intend  to  forget  Kate's  admonition  to 
ask  you  for  information  about  Schuyler- 
ville." 

Colonel  Shelby:  "It  is  the  place,  Miss 
Pelham,  where  the  surrender  of  Bur- 
goyne  took  place,  and  near  where  the  vil- 
lage of  Old  Saratoga  stood,  and  also 
where  Schuyler's  handsome  country  res- 
idence was  burned  by  Burgoyne  on  his 
retreat." 

Miss  Pelham:  "I  once  saw  a  picture 
of  Mrs.  Schuyler  setting  fire  to  a  field; 
had  that  anything  to  do  with  it  ? " 

Colonel  Shelby,  smiling:  "Well,  no; 
not  with  Burgoyne's  fire.  She  had  taken 
her  furniture  out  of  the  house  and  re- 
turned to  Albany  some  time  before  he 
arrived,  but  when  she  was  leaving  she 
set  fire  to  the  grain  to  prevent  it  from 
falling  into  his  hands." 

Miss  Pelham:  "Did  you  say  there 
was  a  monument  at  Schuylerville  ?" 

Colonel  Shelby,  evidently  amused  at 
Miss  Pelham's  eageiness  to  obtain  in- 
formation at  the  dictation  of  Miss  Kate: 


m 


162 


A  VISI-^  TO  THE  BATTLE  GROUND 


■'  Not  yet,  but  it  is  proposed  to  put  one 
there  in  commemoration  of  the  battles 
i)f  Saratoga." 

Miss  Pelham,  perplexedly:  "But  I 
thought  the  battles  were  not  fought  there. 
You  see,  Colonel,  I  am  hopelessly  mixed 
when  it  comes  to  military  matters.  But 
do  enlighten  me  about  this  monument." 

Colonel  Shelby:  "It  is  claimed  that 
the  place  of  surrender  is  a  proper  loca- 
tion for  the  monument,  as  being  the  cul- 
minating point  of  a  long  series  of  stra- 
tegic movements  and  conflicts.  My 
preference  would  be  for  the  field  where 
the  battles  took  place,  some  miles  below. 
The  two  principal  contests  were  upon  the 
same  ground,  and  there,  where  the  blood 
was  shed  and  the  retreat  began  which 
led  to  the  surrender,  seems  a  more  suita- 
ble place." 

Miss  Polham:  "I  think  it  is  a  pity  to 
put  anything  worth  seeing  in  either  of 
these  out-of-the-way  places.  Who  will 
ever  go  to  look  at  them;"  adding  play- 
fully: "  I  am  sure  we  never  would  hav- 
thought  of  such  a  thing  if  Kate  had 
not  taken  a  freak  in  her  head  about  some 
romantic  incidents  in  the  battles  that 
pleased  her.  She  has  not  let  any  of  us  rest 
since;  we  had  to  come  in  self-defence." 

Colonel  Shelby:  "  I  do  not  consider 
the  seclusion  of  either  of  these  pl.-ices  an 
objection.  The  battle-field,  where  the 
rest  of  the  party  are  going,  would  be,  in 
its  retirement,  the  very  place  where  a 
person  like  Miss  Van  Eyck,  for  instance, 
who  has  a  genuine  sentiment  about  such 
things,  might  feel  most  strongly  the  as- 
sociations of  the  place  and  recall  most 
vividly  the  events  which  were  commem- 
orated. It  is  also  but  a  continuation  of 
the  favorite  drive  to  Saratoga  lake. 


Miss  Pelham:  "What  else  am  I  to 
remember  at  Schuylerville;  was  there  no 
fighting  at  all  there  ? 

Colonel  Shelby:  "Yes,  there  was  a 
skirmish  that  came  near  being  an  un- 
lucky affair  for  the  Americans,  but  they 
retreated  in  time  to  save  themselves  ;  it 
was  not  an  event  in  which  we  can  feel 
much  pride.  There  was  some  skillful 
cannonading  there  by  the  Americans  for 
a  few  days  before  the  surrender,  and  it  is 
where  Madame  Riedesel  spent  those 
dreadful  nights  in  a  cellar." 

Miss  Pelham:  "Don't  tell  me  anything 
about  that.  Battles  are  quite  grand  in 
the  abstract,  but  I  don't  like  the  particu- 
lars." 

In  the  meantime  the  remainder  of  the 
party  on  the  other  road,  in  the  landau, 
are  pass'.ig  the  gate  of  the  race  course. 

Miss  Van  Eyck,  addressing  Mrs.  Har- 
ris: "  You  have  not  told  me  that  second 
version  of  the  story  of  Jane  McCrea, 
who  was  murdered  by  the  Indian  allies 
of  Burgoyne;  we  will  soon  get  to  the  lake 
and  I  would  like  to  hear  it  before  I  leave 
you." 

Mrs.  Harris:  "I  suppose  you  know 
the  most  generally  accepted  xount  of 
it?" 

Miss  Van  Eyck:  "  The  school  histories 
tell  us  that  Lieutenant  Jones,  a  tory,  in 
Burgoyne's  army,  was  betrothed  to  jane 
McCrea;  that  he  sent  a  party  of  Indians 
to  bring  her  from  Fort  Edward  to  the 
British  camp  near  there,  and  promised 
them  a  barrel  of  whiskey  as  a  reward  if 
they  would  bring  her  in  safety.  I  think  he 
was  a  very  inconsiderate  lover;  well,  y  5U 
know  the  Indians  quarreled  about  the 
whiskey  they  were  to  get  and  tomahawk- 
ed  Jane  McCrea  on  the  road  " 


li  '    n 


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A  VISIT  TO  THE  BATTLE  GROUND 


163 


Mrs.  Harris:  "  But  the  lover  did  not 
offer  the  whiskey  as  a  reward,  and  he  did 
not  send  for  her  either.  I  think  those 
facts  are  well  established,  although  there 
are  several  different  versions  of  the  trag- 
edy. All  agree  that  Jenny  lived  with  her 
brother,  near  Fort  Edward,  and  that  he 
was  a  whig,  who  wished  to  leave  his  home 
as  the  British  advanced  and  take  refuge 
in  Albany.  At  this  time  Jenny  was  at 
Fort  Edward,  visiting  her  tory  friend 
Mrs.  McNeil,  who  was  a  relative  of  Gen- 
eral Frazer.  Jenny's  brother  sent  repeat- 
ed messages  for  her  to  join  him.  She 
delayed,  probably  quite  willing  for  the 
British  to  arrive,  as  her  lover  was  with 
them.  Finally  yielding  to  the  entreaties 
of  her  brother,  she  prepared  to  leave  in 
a  batteau  on  a  certain  evening.  On  the 
uiorning  of  ihat  very  day  a  marauding 
party  of  Indians  burst  into  the  house  of 
Mrs.  McNeil  and  dragged  her  and  Jenny 
out  of  a  cellar,  where  they  had  concealed 
themselves,  and  carried  them  off  as  pris- 
oners. Jenny,  in  her  fright,  promised 
them  a  large  reward  if  they  would  spare 
her  life  and  take  her  in  safety  to  the 
British  camp.  This  was  the  reward  they 
quarreled  over,  as  stated  by  a  niece  of 
Jenny.  She  was  carried  a^^ay  on  horse- 
back, but  Mrs.  McNeil  was  so  large  and 
heavy  that  the  Indians  could  not  get  her 
on  a  horse,  and  they  pulled  her  along  by 
both  arms,  and  frequently  compelled  her 
to  fall  on  her  face,  as  they  did  them- 
selves, to  avoid  the  bullets  of  the  Ameri- 
cans, who  were  pursuing  them.  A  grand- 
daughter of  Mrs.  McNeil  has  said  that 
the  Indians  told  her  grand-mother  that 
Jane  McCrea  was  shot  by  the  Americans 
who  were  pursuing  them;  that  they  only 
scalped  her  after  she  was  dead.    Mrs. 


McNeil  believed  this,  because  her  own 
life  had  been  endangered  in  the  same 
way,  and  because  a  larger  reward  was  of- 
fered for  prisoners  brought  into  the  camp 
alive  than  for  scalps.  This  theory  of  the 
tragedy  has  been  adopted  by  several  of 
the  later  narrators." 

Judge  Van  Eyck  :  "  I  think  if  any 
such  representation  had  been  made  by 
the  Indians  at  the  time  of  the  murder, 
Burgoyne  would  gladly  have  availed  him- 
self of  it,  and  have  made  it  known;  but, 
on  the  contrary,  he  was  anxious  to  punish 
the  murderer,  and  was  only  deterred 
from  doing  so  by  the  representations  and 
solicitations  of  de  Luc.  I  have  no  doubt 
but  the  Indians  tomahawked  her.  It  was 
not  an  unusual  occurrence,  but  the  ex- 
citement of  the  time  gave  it  great  impor- 
tance. Inhuman  cruelty  was  attributed 
to  the  whole  British  army,  who  sheltered 
the  savages,  and  it  waked  up  the  militia 
and  sent  them  to  the  American  camp." 

Mrs.  Harris:  "  I  had  supposed.  Judge, 
that  the  family  of  Jenny  were  all  whigs, 
but  I  see  in  Burgoyne's  biography  there 
is  reference  to  a  letter,  written  by  one  of 
her  brothers  to  General  Burgoyne,  some 
years  after  the  war,  soliciting  his  influ- 
ence for  an  appointment  in  the  army.  It 
seems  General  Burgoyne  endorsed  this 
letter  with  a  few  lines,  in  which  he  ex- 
pressed his  gratification  at  having  this 
proof  that  the  family  of  Miss  McCrea 
believed  that  he  had  acted  with  humanity 
and  honor  at  the  time  of  her  murder;  and 
he  also  says  that  he  was  able  to  obtain 
the  appointment  desired." 

Miss  Van  Eyck:  '•  What  became  of  the 
lover,  Mrs.  Harris? " 

Mrs.  Harris:  "As  soon  as  he  was 
charged  with  having  sent  for  Jenny,  he 


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A  VISIT   TO  THE  BATTLE  GROUND 


offered  his  resignation  as  Lieutenant  in 
the  army.  It  was  not  accepted.  One 
account  says  he  fought  desperately  in  the 
battles  at  Saratoga,  and  was  killed;  but 
the  more  authentic  one  states  that  he  de- 
serted immediately  after  the  de^th  of 
Jenny,  and  went  to  Canada.  He  bought 
her  scalp  from  the  Indian  who  had  taken 
it;  her  hair  had  been  beautiful,  dark 
brown,  and  over  a  yard  long.  Lieuten- 
ant Jones  preserved  this  sad  memento  as 
long  as  he  lived,  and  I  think  he  was  an 
old  man  when  he  died.  Every  July,  as 
the  anniversary  of  the  sad  event  ap- 
proached, he  would  seclude  himself  en- 
tirely from  his  friends,  and  they  never 
at  any  time  referred  to  the  Revolution 
in  his  presence." 

Mr.  Winship:  "I  have  seen  Jane  Mc- 
Crea's  grave  at  Fort  Edward.  Do  you 
know  how  they  recovered  her  body? " 

Mrs.  Harris:  "  It  was  found  by^the  pur- 
suing Americans  near  the  spot  where  she 
was  killed,  and  they  sent  it  to  her  brother 
on  the  very  batteau  in  which  she  ex- 
pected to  have  gone  down  the  river  to 
meet  him.  She  was  buried  on  the  banks 
of  the  Hudson,  and  many  years  after- 
wards her  remains  were  removed  to  the 
cemetery  at  Fort  Edward." 

They  arrive  at  the  Lake  House,  and 
alight  for  a  short  time.  Miss  Van  Eyck's 
horse  Guido  is  awaiting  her  there.  She 
mounts  him,  and  followed  by  her  groom, 
turns  to  the  right,  and  goes  slowly  down 
the  long  hill,  past  the  Brigg's  House,  and 
over  the  bridge  that  crosses  the  "nar- 
rows." The  steady  clamp,  clamp  of 
Guide's  feet  on  the  bridge  seems  to  make 
more  palpable  the  quietness  of  the  placid 
scene  of  beauty  before  her.  The  lake 
lies  motionless,  and   in  Kate's  mind  it 


harmonizes  with  her  calm  expectancy  of 
pleasure  in  the  final  object  of  her  ride. 
Following  along  the  road,  she  passes 
through  a  cool,  shady  marsh,  where  the 
varied  stems  of  the  willows  and  the  ten- 
der ferns  and  grasses  underneath  give 
variety  and  interest  even  to  this  tame 
spot.  The  road  now  follows  close  to  the 
lake  shore,  and  Guido,  seemingly  tired  of 
his  dull  paces,  voluntarily  starts  off  at  a 
brisk  canter,  and  brings  her  quick'y  lO 
the  Cedar  Bluff  Hotel,  which  she  passes, 
and  then  turns  to  the  left,  moving  more 
slowly  up  tiic  long  hill.  When  near  the 
top,  she  glances  suddenly  off  to  the 
northwest,  and  is  so  strongly  impressed 
with  the  distant  mountain  view  that  she 
checks  her  horse  entirely,  and  turns  to 
enjoy  it.  As  the  landau  approaches,  the 
Judge  orders  William  to  stop. 

Judge  Van  Eyck:  "I  am  glad  you 
stopped  here,  Kate.  When  going  to  the 
White  Sulphur  Spring,  one  day  last  sum- 
mer, with  a  gentleman  familiar  with  this 
region,  we  took  a  turn  up  this  hill,  and 
he  pointed  out  the  different  ranges  of 
mountains  that  we  can  see  from  this 
place.  Do  you  notice  how  those  two 
ranges  lie,  one  over  the  other? " 

Mr,  Winship:  "  Yes;  they  are  quite 
distinct  upon  a  second  look,  though  at 
first  they  seemed  to  be  but  one.  There 
is  a  break  in  the  forward  range." 

Judge  Van  Eyck:  "That  is  the  Pal- 
mertown  range;  it  divides  and  surrounds 
Lake  George,  Far  to  the  north  you  see 
a  few  high  knolls  that  lie  at  the  head  of 
that  lake.  Now  follow  down  a  short  dis- 
tance  to  the  gap  you  speak  of.  That  is 
where  the  Hudson  breaks  through  this 
Palmertown  range.  You  see  that  range 
dwindles  down  as  it  ne»  s  the  village. 


A  VISIT  TO  THE  BATTLE  GROUND 


165 


They  tell  me  its  terminus  is  at  Glen 
Mitchell,  or  rather  North  Broadway  in 
Saratoga  Springs.  The  higher  range  be- 
yond is  the  Kayadrossera,  which  shows 
almost  an  unbroken  line  as  it  descends. 
Now  look  across  the  lake." 

Miss  Van  Eyck:  "O,  see,  father,  how 
beautiful  i  The  whole  extent  of  the  lake 
lies  beneath  us; "  pointing  southward. 
"  What  mountains  are  those  beyond  it?  " 

Judge  Van  Eyck:  "Those  are  the 
northern  peaks  of  the  Catskills." 

Mrs.  Harris:  "  How  could  we  have  been 
at  Saratoga  so  often  and  so  long  without 
hearing  of  this  fine  view?  Judge,  I  am 
really  disposed  to  reproach  you  for  not 
bringing  us  sooner." 

Judge  Van  Eyck:  "Well,  I  had  for- 
gotten it,  although  I  was  much  impressed 
with  it  when  I  first  came  here,  and  I  re- 
member now  that  Mr.  Jones,  who  was 
with  me,  said  there  was  a  still  more  ex- 
tensive lookout  from  a  hill  two  or  three 
miles  beyond  this.  I  think  we  go  over 
it  to-day.  Kate,  you  had  better  let  us 
take  the  lead  now." 

Mr.  Winship  has  alighted  from  the 
carriage  and  stands  near  Kate:  "  I  real- 
ize now  the  advantage  you  have  in  being 
on  horseback.  You  can  enjoy  the  beau- 
tiful landscape  at  every  turn  without 
effort.  I  did  not  know  that  such  views 
were  to  be  seen  on  this  ride." 

Miss  Van  Eyck:  "  This  is  an  unex- 
pected pleasure,  and  I  congratulate  my- 
self upon  having  persevered  in  my  de- 
sire to  go  in  this  way." 

They  now  ride  rapidly  on,  turning  to 
the  left  at  the  top  of  the  hill,  and  enter- 
ing a  chestnut  grove  whose  dense  shade  is 
restful  to  the  eyes  after  gazing  intently 
over  the  water  and  at  the  distant  views. 


To  Kate  especially  is  this  secluded,  wind- 
ing road  in  the  thick  forest  a  delight; 
siie  lets  the  reins  hang  loosely  on  Guido's 
neck  as  he  walks  slowly  and  -laintily  on, 
her  mind  still  filled  with  thoughts 
suggested  by  the  distant,  misty  hills. 
Coming  out  of  the  woods  she  sees  the 
carriage,  a  mere  sjieck,  and  seemingly  sta- 
tionary before  her;  hurrying  on  she  finds 
them  waiting  for  her,  as  here,  at  the  cross- 
roads near  the  red  school-house,  they 
fear  she  may  mistake  the  way.  They 
now  all  keep  on  the  direct  road  up 
another  extended  hill,  and  Kate  gallop- 
ing ahead,  reaches  the  summit  first,  turns 
abruptly  and  waves  her  handkerchief. 
The  carriage  comes  up. 

Miss  Van  Eyck:  "This  must  be  the 
hill  you  were  telling  us  of.  Do  have  the 
carriage  thrown  entirely  open  so  you  can 
stand  up  and  see  it  all.  There,  father, 
are  the  two  ranges  of  mountains  you 
showed  us  on  the  other  hill,  only  they 
look  higher  and  more  irregular  from  this 
p  ,int,  and  we  can  see  so  much  further 
north;  are  those  the  Lake  George  moun- 
tains? and,  oh  look!  in  the  opposite  di- 
rection. I  do  believe  there  is  *  The  Old 
Man  of  the  Mountain; '  see,  Mrs.  Harris, 
there  are  other  mountains  south  of  that, 
and  turn  quite  around,  there  is  still 
another  range  entirely  separate  Is  not 
this  magnificent?  I  was  never  in  such 
an  ampitheatre  before.  Can  you  see 
them  all?" 

Mr.  Winship:  "Indeed,  Miss  Kate, 
this  is  very  fine.  Those  are  doubtless 
the  Green  Mountains  and  the  Hudson 
river  hills  you  have  pointed  out  toward 
the  east,  and  there  is  the  veritable  *  Old 
Man  of  the  Mountains  '  in  the  Catskills, 
lying  on  his  back  as  usual." 


■^ 


II 


105 


A  VISIT  TO  THE  BATTLE  GROUND 


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f«     ll 


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Judge  Van  Eyck:  "  Kate,  those  are 
the  high  hills  of  Lake  George  to  the 
north,  and  the  Kayadrossera  chain  breaks 
up  into  peaks  there  to  the  northwest. 
We  must  have  a  view  of  one  thousand 
square  miles  under  our  eyes  here.  Sara- 
toga ought  to  make  more  stir  about  such 
a  ride  as  this,  and  have  guide-boards 
with  directions  to  these  hills;  the  last  one 
was  Caldwell's — this  is  Summit;  but 
come,  we  must  be  moving  on." 

They  proceed  cautiously  down  the 
long,  uneven  slope  and  soon  leave  the 
pine-crowned  hill  on  the  left,  where  they 
turn  sharply  to  the  right  and  drive  over 
a  smooth  road  through  a  lovely  circular 
valley  to  the  Quaker  meeting  house, 
where  Kate,  who  is  in  advance,  stops  for 
directions  as  she  comes  to  a  cross  road. 

Miss  Van  Eyck,  as  they  approached: 
"Which  way,  father?" 

Judge  Van  Eyck:  "  To  the  right  again. 
This  is  the  main  road  from  Quaker 
Springs  to  Bemis'  Heights.  Across  the 
hills  where  this  road  now  runs  was  a  part 
of  the  battle  ground.  The  road  follows 
just  about  the  course  that  must  have  been 
taken  by  Arnold  when  he  made  his  first 
charge  against  the  Hessians  in  the  last 
battle,  but  we  have  quite  a  drive  yet 
before  reaching  that  part  of  the  road.  I 
think  it  will  be  better  for  us  to  go  to 
Freeman's  Farm  first." 

Mrs.  Harris :  "That  will  be  the  most 
interesting  spot,  because  the  heaviest 
fighting  in  both  battles  was  there." 

At  the  next  cross  road  they  turn  to  the 
left  and  in  a  few  minutes  stop  before  the 
house  on  Freeman's  Farm.  They  alight 
and  enter,  and  find  the  hostess  very  ami- 
able and  glad  to  tell  them  all  she  knows 
that  will  interest  them.     She  also  shows 


them  the  relics  that  have  been  ploughed 
up  on  the  farm.  There  are  musket  balls, 
a  twenty-four  pound  cannon  ball,  buckles 
and  buttons  bearing  the  number  (  f  Brit- 
ish regiments,  and  the  jaw  bone  of  a  man 
with  the  teeth  still  preserved.  They  are 
told  that  just  beyond  a  little  knoll  near 
the  house  the  blood  run  a  foot  deep;  a 
statement  they  take  with  a  grain  of  al- 
lowance; and  yet  one  may  believe  that 
it  was  indeed  a  sanguinary  spot,  for  just 
there  Balcarras  made  his  heroic  defence 
against  Arnold's  mad  attack  and  succeed- 
ed in  repulsing  him.  He  held  the  redoubt 
upon  this  place  until  Burgoyne  moved 
his  army  during  the  night  after  the 
battle. 

Judge  Van  Eyck,  while  they  all  stand 
on  the  site  of  the  old  redoubt:  "Which 
is  Burgoyne's  hill,  as  it  is  called?"  A 
high  knoll,  covered  with  trees  of  a  light 
growth,  and  surrounded  by  a  ravine,  is 
pointed  out  across  the  road,  but  some 
distance  back  from  it.  "  That,  Kate,  is 
really  Breyman's  hill;  at  least  it  is  where 
the  redoubt  was  located,  which  he  de- 
fended. There  were  earthworks  between 
this  redoubt  and  that.  In  the  last  bat- 
tle the  Massachusetts  regiments  broke 
through  these  works  about  the  time  of 
Arnold's  repulse  here  by  Balcarras.  See- 
ing the  advantage  thjy  had  gained,  Ar- 
nold, with  Learned's  regiment,  dashed 
around  from  here  to  the  hill  where  Brey- 
man  was,  and  succeeded  in  getting  pos- 
session of  that.  Breyman  was  killed  at 
his  guns,  and  his  men  all  driven  away. 
Arnold  was  also  wounded  there;  but  the 
Americans  held  the  redoubt,  and  you 
can  see  how  it  gave  them  the  command 
of  the  whole  British  camp,  and  made  it 
necessary  for  Burgoyne  to  abandon  his 


u> 


A  VISIT  TO  THE  BATTLE  GROUND 


167 


position.  We  will  now  go  to  the  sight  of 
Frazer's  camp,  in  the  pine  woods  just 
across  the  road." 

Mrs.  Harris:  "I  think,  Judge,  that  we 
have  lingered  so  long  on  the  way  that  we 
had  better  take  our  lunch  at  once,  and 
make  further  investigations  afterwards." 

Judge  Van  Eyck:  "  A  good  suggestion, 
Madame;  and  if  you  like  a  genuine  pic- 
nic, those  woods  are  just  the  place  for  it. 
Robert,  have  the  coffee  boiled,  and  buy 
some  milk  here  at  the  farm-house.  Bring 
the  feed  for  your  horses  to  the  woods; 
the  ladies  will  ride  over," 

They  entered  the  woodland  through 
an  opening  in  the  fence,  where  the  old 
military  road,  construrted  by  Burgoyne 
for  the  advance  of  his  ai.ay  to  Free- 
man's Farm,  was  plainly  visible.  Alight- 
ing from  the  carriage,  and  turning  a  little 
to  the  right,  they  soon  found  an  open  yet 
shaded  place  to  spread  their  lunch  on  the 
ground.  The  wraps  and  cushions  from 
the  carriage  were  disposed  around,  and 
lounging  on  them  in  oriental  fashion, 
with  sharpened  appetites,  the  whole  party 
enjoyed  the  informal  repast.  Light- 
hearted  jests,  animated  discussions  about 
the  next  thing  to  be  done,  and  good- 
natured  disputes,  caused  a  pleasant  hour 
to  slip  away  unheeded  upon  the  very 
spot  where,  "  all  day  long  the  noise  of 
battle  rolled."     The  lunch  is  over. 

Mrs.  Harris,  w  alking  to  a  small  stream 
near  the  fence:  "  Judge,  what  ravine  is 
this?  Will  you  show  it  to  mc  on  the 
map?" 

Judge  Van  Eyck:  "  Yi.3.  You  see  that 
is  a  small  branch  of  the  north  ravine, 
which  is  behind  us.  It  ran  in  front  of 
the  British  camp  down  by  the  river,  and 
then  passed  through  the  camp,  as  you 


find  it  in  this  place.  Do  you  see  here 
on  llie  map  that  the  bridge  across  the 
north  ravine  is  just  above  the  fork  made 
by  this  small  one? " 

Miss  Van  Eyck:  "Come,  f;ither,  I  am 
sure  we  know  that  map  by  heart;  let 
us  go  and  look  for  the  bridge." 

Mr.  Winship:  "Wait  a  few  minutes, 
Miss  Kate;  I  want  to  take  another  look. 
I  see,  Judge,  it  is  (juite  easy  to  find  on 
the  map  the  exact  spot  where  we  have 
lunched." 

Judge  Van  Eyck:  "This  is  in  front  of 
the  north  ravine.  Now  stand  up  and 
look  across  the  fields.  You  can  trace 
the  line  of  the  middle  ravine,  which  lay 
between  the  two  camps.  Y-a  can  see 
Bemis'  Heights  and  Neilson's  Farm, 
where  the  American  camp  lay.  There 
was  also  a  ravine  in  front  of  that,  and 
one  behind  it." 

Mr.  Winship:  "The  ground  seems 
to  have  been  well  chosen  by  both 
commanders.  We  are  coming,  Miss 
Kate." 

They  follow  the  military  road  back 
through  the  woods  for  a  few  rods. 

Mrs.  Harris:  "Here  is  the  bridge;  a 
very  modern  one,  by  the  way,  which 
seems  singular,  as  the  road  does  not 
seem  to  have  been  used,  and  looks  as  if 
it  might  have  remained  undisturbed  in 
the  forest  all  these  years." 

Judge  Van  Eyck:  "  This  road  was 
only  discovered  or  noticed  two  years 
ago,  and  there  was  then  no  bridge  over 
the  ravine,  but  distinct  marks  of  the  old 
bridge  could  be  seen;  this  new  bridge 
covers  the  same  place.  This  forest  has 
remained  untouched  sin^;e  the  revolu- 
tionary time.  You  can  see  how  these 
few  acres  have  been  left,  and  how  in  the 


i68 


A  VISIT  TO  THE  BATTLE  GROUND 


IM 


I      ■ 


clearings  all  around  the  old  relicE  of  the 
past,  earthworks  and  roads  have  been 
ploughed  up,  and  are  quite  lost." 

Miss  Van  Eyck:  "This  is  a  beautiful 
glen,  with  the  water  tumbling  over  the 
rocks.  Didn't  you  tell  me,  Mrs.  Harris, 
that  these  ravines  would  all  be  dry?  " 

Mrs.  Harris:  "I  supposed  they  would, 
for  I  have  heard  that  all  the  small  water 
courses  in  this  country  had  become 
greatly  reduced,  or  were  quite  dried  up." 

Miss  Van  Eyck  and  Mrs.  Harris  linger 
on  the  little  bridge.  Judge  Van  Eyck  and 
Mr.  Winship  pass  over,  ascend  the  slope 
on  the  other  side  and  walk  on  a  few 
yards. 

Mr,  Winship:  "Look  at  this.  Judge; 
here  is  another  road,  branching  off  from 
the  one  we  have  followed." 

Judge  Van  Eyck:  "This  is,  indeed, 
clearly  another  road  of  the  same  kind; 
let  us  follow  it.  You  see  it  is  graded  in 
the  same  way.  There  were  in  those  times 
no  roaHs  in  New  York  as  carefully  and 
skilfully  graded  as  these  are.  You  can 
easily  see  the  difference  between  these 
and  the  country  >.  ds  we  have  been  rid- 
ing over  to-day.  Take  a  look  now  up 
and  down  this  ravine,  and  at  the  sur- 
rounding country.  Do  you  see  that  where 
that  little  bridge  crosses  the  ravine  is  the 
only  place  that  an  army  could  have  been 
taken  over  without  the  construction  of  a 
very  long  bridge,  and  a  far  greater  ex- 
penditure of  time  and  labor  than  Bur- 
goyne  used.  He  had  skilfuU  engineers. 
This  road  you  have  just  pointed  out  must 
have  been  made  to  carry  the  artillery  and 
stores  to  Breyman's  and  Balcarras'  re- 
doubts." 

Mr,  Winship:  "Do  you  think,  Judge, 
that  these  can  be  the  old  ruts  made  by  the 


artillery  and  wagons  in  Buigoyne's  time? 
Would  they  not  have  l-eep  filled  up  long 
ago  by  the  deposit  of  leaves  and  dirt? " 

Judge  Van  Eyck:  "  It  is  said  that  a  de- 
pression of  four  inches  in  the  earth  will 
be  perceptible  for  a  much  longer  time. 
This  road  has  been  sheltered  by  the  for- 
rest,  and  there  can  really  be  no  doubt 
about  these  old  roads;  it  is  not  only  that 
they  show  in  themselves  what  they  are, 
but  they  correspond  exactly  with  the 
roads  on  the  military  maps,  drawn  at  the 
time," 

Mr.  Winship:  "This  thefn  is  one  of  the 
plainest  and  most  interesting  land-marks 
of  the  revolutionary  period  that  we  pos- 
sess; but  the  glaring  new  boards  on  that 
bridge  make  one  think  that  the  old  will 
soon  be  lost  in  the  new," 

Judge  Van  Eyck:  "  I  think,  Mr,  Win- 
ship, that  the  most  suitable  commemora- 
tion of  the  battles  that  could  be  made 
would  be  a  purchase  of  part  of  Freeman's 
Farm,  including  this  little  woodland.  Al- 
though the  battle  of  the  7  th  began  off  on 
the  hills,  the  British  were  soon  driven 
back  here,  where  tlie  fighting  of  the  19th 
took  place.  If  this  place  was  preserved 
without  change,  it  would  be  interesting 
in  itself,  and  in  the  course  of  time  a 
monument  could  be  erected  upon  it," 

They  join  the  ladies  and  it  is  decided 
that  they  will  ride  down  to  the  river,  a 
distance  of  two  miles  or  more.  The  pub- 
lic road  passing  Freeman's  Farm  is  fol- 
lowed. They  go  over  a  succession  of 
irregular  and  very  steep  hills,  they  make 
various  surmises  as  to  the  probable  lo- 
cality of  Burgoyne's  headquarters,  which 
they  know  they  must  pass  on  the  way. 
The  middle  ravine  is  plainly  seen  as  they 
proceed.     It  grows  wilder    and   more 


in  Buigoyne's  time? 
e  L'cep  filled  up  long 
)f  leaves  and  dirt?" 
"  It  is  said  that  a  de- 
hcs  in  the  earth  will 
I  much  longer  time, 
sheltered  by  the  for- 
i  really  be  no  doubt 
is;  it  is  not  only  that 
jelves  what  they  are, 
id  exactly  with  the 
y  maps,  drawn  at  the 

rh  is  then  is  one  of  the 
iteresting  land-marks 
y  period  that  we  pos- 
g  new  boards  on  that 
link  that  the  old  will 
new." 

::  "  I  think,  Mr.  Win- 
suitable  commemora- 
i  that  could  be  made 
le  of  part  of  Freeman's 
is  little  woodland.   Al- 
)f  the  7  th  began  off  on 
tish  were  soon  driven 
he  fighting  of  the  19th 
is  place  was  preserved 
;  would  be  interesting 
the  course  of  time  a 
be  erected  upon  it." 
adies  and  it  is  decided 
e  down  to  the  river,  a 
les  or  more.    The  pub- 
freeman's  Farm  is  fol- 
0  over  a  succession  of 
f  steep  hills,  they  make 
as  to  the  probable  lo- 
e's  headquarters,  which 
must  pass  on  the  way. 
le  is  plainly  seen  as  they 
ows  wilder    and   more 


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A  VISIT  TO  THE  BATTLE  GROUND 


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rugged  and  the  hills  more  precipitous. 
They  can  understand  now  why  the  col- 
umns of  Burgoyne's  army  were  so  widely 
r.paiated  on  their  advance;  they  must 
either  go  on  the  river  road  or  far  to  the 
west.  It  would  be  impossible  to  drag 
artillery  over  these  hills  and  glens.  It 
becomes  more  and  more  evident  that  the 
American  position  was  well  chosen.  Ap- 
proaching near  the  river  they  cross  one  of 
the  ravines  on  a  precarious  bridge;  they 
see  Wilbur's  basin  on  the  right  and  cross 
the  canal  bridge,  then  turn  sharply  to  the 
left  on  the  river  road. 

Miss  Van  Eyck,  coming  to  the  side  of 
the  landau:  "This  is  Just  like  the  pic- 
tures with  which  we  are  familiar;  there 
are  the  three  hills  on  which  the  British 
tents  are  always  seen  in  the  pictures. 
The  middle  one  must  be  where  Frazer  is 
buried.  Sf.e,  there  are  the  two  trees, 
the  graos  covering  most  of  the  slope, 
and  even  the  man  with  his  plough ;  he 
must  have  come  out  on  purpose  to  com- 
plete the  view.  What  a  beautiful  place 
this  is;  no  wonder  Frazer  chose  it  for  his 
burial." 

Mrs.  Harris:  "  It  must  have  been  here 
that  Lady  Ackland  embarked  in  the  little 
boat  that  was  to  take  her  to  the  Ameri- 
can camp.    No,    that  was  at  Coveville. 

Judge  Van  Eyck:  "  It  was  just  here,  too, 
that  the  British  army  was  huddled  to- 
gether on  the  night  after  the  lost  battle. 
Look  behind  you  at  the  flats  where  the 
river  bends  a  little  and  you  will  see  where 
the  Americans  posted  themselves  when 
they  followed  Burgoyne  that  night;  and 
just  on  that  rise  of  ground  Major  Stevens 
must  have  planted  the  cannon  that  made 
such  sad  ".vcrk  at  the  funeral.  You  can 
see  how  impossible  it  was  for  Burgoyne 


to  remain  here  long.  Shall  we  now  ride 
up  the  river  to  the  house  where  Fraxer 
died?" 

Mr.  Winship:  "  I  think  if  will  be  more 
interesting,  as  we  cannot  see  all  these 
places  to-day,  to  '  isit  Bemis'  Heights, 
below  this;  it  will  probably  be  a  pleasant 
drive  down  the  river." 

Mrs.  Harris-"  "Let  us  follow  ••i  n- 
ship's  suggestion.  I  do  not  •  nt  '.•..  e- 
turn  without  seeing  the  exact  posiL.v^j  of 
the  American  camp." 

Miss  Van  Eyck:  "Before  we  go,  let 
us  walk  up  the  hill,  and  see  ii  :here  is 
anything  to  mark  Frazer's  grave." 

Mrs.  Harris:  "You  will  find  nothing 
there,  Kate,  more  than  can  be  seen  from 
here;  yet  I  am  sure  it  was  a  false  charge 
made  by  some  of  the  British,  in  which 
they  stated  that  the  Americans  had 
opened  the  grave  and  scattered  the  bones 
of  the  hero  in  their  search  for  chests  of 
gold  that  they  believed  had  been  buiied 
with  him." 

William:  "  But,  Judge,  they  did  find  big 
chests  of  money  soii  e  where  out  here, 
and  not  very  long  ago.  I  heard  about 
a  workman  o.i  a  farm,  who  found  one  of 
these  chests.  The  farmer  made  him  give 
it  up  to  him,  because  it  was  found  on 
his  land.  Soon  afterwards  the  workman 
bought  himself  a  farm ;  so  they  knew  he 
must  have  got  a  good  deal  of  the  money." 

Judge  Van  Eyck:  "It  is  not  improb- 
able that  some  money  may  have  been 
found,  as  the  British  might  very  naturally 
have  buried  it  before  the  retreat,  to  pre- 
vent it  from  falling  into  the  hands  of  the 
Americans.  We  must  go  down  the  river 
now.     Drive  on,  William." 

They  have  a  beautiful  ride  of  about 
two  miles  over  the  flats  and  near  the 


I  1 


1 7© 


A  VISIT  TO  THE  BA.TTLE  GROUND 


river,  when  they  reach  the  site  of  the  old 
Bemis  House.  Here  they  turn  to  the 
right,  and  begin  the  long  and  gradual 
ascent  to  the  heights.  This  road  they  ob- 
serve, as  they  examine  the  map,  follows 
the  line  of  the  American  camp,  and  runs 
along  a  ridge,  with  a  ravine  in  front  and 
behind.  The  remains  of  an  old  cellar 
on  the  left  indicate  the  place  of  General 
Gates  headquarters.  Finally  reaching 
the  height,  a  turn  to  the  right  soon  brings 
them  to  the  Neilson  House,  v.-here  Mor- 
gan and  Poor  had  their  Headquarters. 
Part  of  the  original  building  is  still  stand- 
ing, and  in  it  the  room  where  Lady 
Ackland  was  conducted  to  the  bedside 
of  her  wounded  husband.  The  house  is 
still  owned  and  occupied  by  descendants 
of  the  family  to  whom  it  then  belonged. 
They  have  many  relics  that  have  been 
found  on  the  farm,  arrow  points,  balls, 
bayonets,  camp  spoons,  and  other  things 
suggestive  of  the  great  conflicts  or  the 
camp  life  of  the  contestants.  These  are 
examined  by  the  visitors,  who  also  have 
pointed  out  to  them  the  remains  of  the 
earthworks  that  may  still  be  seen.  Judge 
Van  Eyck  now  hurries  his  party  home 
over  the  road  leading  to  Quaker  Springs. 
Between  Neilson's  Farm  and  Freeman  s 
Farm  they  pass  over  a  part  of  the  battle- 
field, and  with  the  aid  of  their  map  they 
locate  the  positions  of  the  dififerent  corps 
of  troops,  as  they  are  represented  'here. 
Kate  Van  Eyck  rides  close  to  the  car- 
riage, and  makes  inquiries,  or  points  out 
such  places  as  she  believes  have  an  espe- 
cial interest. 

As  they  continue  their  ride  home,  the 
gorgeous  sunset  seems  to  be  repeated 
again  and  again,  as  it  is  lost  under  the 


shadow  of  some  great  hill,  to  be  found 
once  more  as  they  emerge  from  its  dark- 
ened side.  The  lake  still  lies  in  a  pro- 
found calm,  only  repeating  with  startling 
distinctness  the  undulating  line  of  its 
shores  with  their  fringe  of  trees.  As 
they  near  the  village,  the  moon  comes 
out  in  full  splendor. 

Mrs,  Harris:  "  What  a  glorious  day  we 
have  had.  Judge;  the  moon  seems  to 
appear  now  to  put  a  climax  on  its  per- 
fections." 

Mr.  Winship:  "  It  has  been  a  most  en- 
joyable day,  and  I  have  never  visited  a 
battle  field  with  more  satisfaction.  It  is 
generally  difficult  to  realize  the  connec- 
tion between  the  place  and  the  event; 
but  the  locations  of  the  two  camps,  with 
the  battle  ground  between,  on  the  Sara- 
toga field  suggests  vividnesss  of  recol- 
lection that  is  unusual." 

They  reach  the  hotel,  alight  and  pass 
into  their  cottage.  Colonel  Shelby  and 
Miss  Pelham  are  sitting  on  the  front 
piazza,  waiting  for  their  arrival.  Col- 
onel Shelby  assists  Miss  Van  Eyck  from 
her  horse. 

Colonel  Shelby:  "  I  hope  your  antici- 
pations have  been  fulfilled;  that  you  have 
had  a  pleasant  day." 

Miss  Van  Eyck:  "  It  has  been  more 
than  delightful.  Before  I  went  I  had  a 
lurking  fear  that  when  I  actually  got  upon 
the  battle  ground  all  my  imaginations 
p'^iout  it  would  take  flight — that  it  would 
be  only  an  every  day  field  and  common- 
place hills,  but  it  was  not  so.  As  I  rode 
over  the  ground  I  did  realize  that  it  was 
sacred  to  a  great  cause — that  it  had  been 
the  arena  upon  which  great  ideas  had 
displayed  their  impelling  force,  and  that 


A    VISIT    TO    THE    BATTLE    GROUND. 


171 


to  be  found 
om  its  dark- 
is  in  a  pro- 
^ith  startling 
line  of  its 
trees.  As 
loon  comes 

ious  day  we 

seems    to 

on  its  per- 

a  most  en- 
■T  visited  a 
tion.  It  is 
le  connec- 
the  event; 
imps,  with 
the  Sara- 
of  recol- 


while  many  of  the  contestants  had 
'Builded  better  than  they  knew,'  they 
must  still  have  been  inspired  with  some 
dim  vision  of  the  future." 

Colonel  Shelby:  "You  convince  me, 
Miss  Van  Eyck,  that  the  pleasure  or 
profit  we  may  find  in  any  object  is  with- 
in ourselves.  How  many  persons  would 
witness  the  scenes  you  have  looked  on 
to-day  and  feel  no  responsive  emotion, 
have  no  new  thoughts  awakened.  I  envy 
the  person  whom  you  will  permit  at  any 


time  to  be  the  companion  of  your 
thoughts  and  sentiments.  Will  you  al- 
low me  to  hope  that  I  may  occasionally 
have  such  a  happiness?  You  must  be 
convinced  by  this  time  that  such  occa- 
sions cannot  be  too  often  repeated  to 
please  me.  Will  you  allow  me  to  go 
with  you  to-morrow  on  the  proposed  ex- 
pedition to  Prospect  Hill?" 

Miss  Van  Eyck:  "  I  will  tell  you  in 
the  morning,  Colonel,  what  arrangements 
we  have  made." 


and  pass 
lelby  and 
the  front 
^al.  Col- 
^yck  from 


ur  antici- 
you  have 

en  more 
:  I  had  a 
got  upon 
jinations 
it  would 
ommon- 
s  I  rode 
It  it  was 
lad  been 
eas  had 
ind  that 


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VISITORS'  GUIDE 


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SARATOGA  SPRINGS 


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II       ,    IIIMV^mipi 


SARATOGA    SPRINGS 

IN  RELATION  TO  THE  GREAT  ROUTES  OF  TRAVEL. 

The  village  of  Saratoga  Springs  is  located  directly  on  the  main  northern 
railroad  between  Nevir  York  City  and  Montreal.  It  is  about  five  hours'  ride 
from  New  York  City,  one  hour  from  Troy  and  one  hour  and  a  quarter  from 
Albany.  Through  trains,  with  drawing-room  cars,  arrive  from  New  York  and 
other  points  several  times  each  day.  The  Hudson  River  day  and  night 
steamboat  lines  connect  with  the  morning  and  evening  trains. 

From  the  west,  New  York  Central  Railroad  trains  make  immediate  con- 
nections with  Saratoga  trains  at  Schenectady,  which  is  one  hour's  ride  from 
the  Springs.  From  Boston  and  the  east,  many  trains  of  the  Boston  and 
Albany  connect  with  Saratoga  trains  without  delay.  The  station  of  the 
Fitchburg  Railroad,  Hoosick  Tunnel  route,  is  on  Lake  avenue,  three 
minutes'  walk  from  Broadway  and  the  principal  hotels  ;  quick  trains  connect 
with  Boston,  and  several  trains  each  day  provide  for  excursions  to  Saratoga 
Lake,  Schuylerville,  etc. 

The  Adirondack  Railroad  has  its  southern  terminus  at  Saratoga  Springs. 
Passengers  on  that  road  can  go  to  North  Creek,  then  by  stage  to  Cedar 
River  and  to  Blue  Mountain  Lake,  the  head-waters  of  the  Raquette  River. 
Excursions  can  be  made  to  Lake  George  on  the  Delaware  and  Hudson 
Canal  Co.'s  railroad  to  Glens  Falls,  and  thence  by  stage,  ten  miles,  to  the 
south  end  of  the  lake,  or  by  railroad  to  the  north  end  of  the  lake,  which  is 
traversed  daily  by  a  pleasant  little  steamboat.  Thus  it  is  seen  that  tourists 
passing  over  any  of  the  great  routes,  north,  south,  east  or  west,  can  reach 
Saratoga  to  refresh  themselves  with  its  health-giving  waters,  or  visit  its 
objects  of  interest  with  little  loss  of  time,  while  those  who  remain  during 
the  season  can  make  frequent  excursions  to  delightful  places  of  resort,  or 
reach  the  cities  for  business   purposes  without  effort  or  serious  waste  of 

time. 

The  depot  of  the  Delaware  and  Hudson  Canal  Co.'s  railroad  is  on 
Division  street,  near  Franklin  square,  in  the  central  part  of  the  village,  and 
one  block  from  Broadway,  which  is  its  principal  street.  Hotel  omnibuses 
convey  passengers  to  the  hotels  free  of  charge.  Livery  carriages  and 
horses  are  also  in  waiting  for  the  use  of  travelers,  and  the  agent  of  a  reliable 
baggage  express  company  is  in  attendance  on  the  cars  and  in  the  depot.  It 
is  but  a  short  walk  from  the  depot  to  most  of  the  hotels,  boarding-houses 
and  springs. 


^1 


■A        I 


176 


visitors'  otttde 


I) 

!1 


Hotels. 

The  hotels  of  Saratoga  are  probably  the  largest  in  the  world.  These 
immense  brick  buildings  are  graceful  and  imposing  in  appearance.  They 
are  richly  furnished  with  taste  and  elegance,  and  have  all  the  modern 
accessories  of  comfort  and  convenience.  Klevatois  are  constantly  in 
operation  ;  gas,  bells  and  water  pipes  communicate  with  each  set  of  apart- 
ments. Broad  piazzas,  supplied  with  easy  chairs,  face  the  gay  pan<  ramie 
view  on  Broadway,  and  also  sweep  around  the  inner  courts  with  their 
beautiful  lawns,  cooling  fountains  and  fine  shade  trees.  A  first-class  band 
of  music  is  employed  by  each  hotel,  not  only  to  furnish  dancing  music  for 
the  balls,  hops  and  morning  "  Germans,"  but  to  give  each  day  a  piazza  or 
parlor  concert  of  classical  music.  A  programme  of  these  concert?  is 
published  daily  in  TAe  Saratogian,  and  they  form  one  of  the  most  de- 
lightful features  of  Saratoga  life. 

The  United  States  Hotel  contains  1,100  rooms,  and  capacity  for 
2,000  guests.  It  offers  an  especial  advantage  to  visitors  in  the  large  number 
of  its  cottages  and  full  suites  of  rooms  having  a  private  entrance,  numerous 
connecting  rooms,  large  closets  1  bath-rooms  appropriated  to  each.  In 
these  rooms  are  combined  the  seclusion  and  repose  of  family  life  with  the 
ease  and  luxury  of  hotel  living.  The  cottage  halls  and  parlor  windows  open 
upon  large  piazzas,  which  face  the  beautiful  lawn ;  the  whole  forming  a  mag- 
nificent interior  view.  The  enormous  halls,  the  reading-rooms  and  smaller 
parlors  of  the  house  are  but  introductory  to  the  recherche  effect  of  the  grand 
drawing-room.  Far  surpassing  the  parlor  of  the  old  United  States  Hotel  as 
this  room  does,  it  but  suggests  to  many  old-time  frequenters  of  the  former 
the  charming  days  when  the  ('lite  of  the  whole  country  met  there  during 
each  successive  "season."  They  came  together  wiih  the  sure  and  pleasant 
expectation  each  of  finding  the  other  in  his  accustomed  place,  except  when 
death  stepped  in  and  left  a  theme  of  regretful  ^mtiment  to  be  dwelt  upon  by 
the  survivors. 

The  traditional  flavor  of  the  old  aristocratic  element  still  lingers  about 
the  United  States,  and  is  constantly  strengthened  by  its  present  visitors, 
that  more  numerous  throng  of  cultivated  and  high-toned  people  who 
gladly  leave  their  city  homes  to  refresh  themselves  with  country  pleasures 
and  metropolitan  comforts. 

The  Grand  Union  Hotel  has  a  frontage  of  1,364  feet  on  Broadway, 
and  its  fine  central  tower  commands  a  magnificent  view  of  the  surrounding 
country  and  distant  mountains.  The  hotel  will  accommodate  1,800  guests, 
and  is  deservedly  popular  and  delightful. 

Congress  Hall  can  receive  1,000  guests.    It  is  a  first-class  hotel  in  all 


VlsrrOBs'  OtTIDB. 


177 


-  i 


its  appointments.  Its  picturesque  bridge,  thrown  across  Spring  street,  and 
connecting  the  hot(  vith  the  ball-room,  when  brilliantly  lighi.  d,  is  one  of  the 
most  beautiful  gaslight  views  of  Saratoga.  It  is  on  the  site  of  the  oUi  md 
famous  h'«tel  of  the  same  name  which  w  is  burned  in  1866,  and  is  built  in  the 
mosi  substantial  manner  of  brick,  with  brown-stone  trimmings,  and  presents 
a  graceful  architectural  appearance.  Its  walls  are  20  inches  thick  and 
hollow  in  the  center,  insuring  safety  and  an  even  temper.iture. 

The  roums  of  Congress  Hall  are  all  larger,  and  therefore  afford  pleas.mter 
and  more  healthy  apartments  than  can  be  found  elsewhere.  Its  genial 
and  accomplished  landlord,  Colonel  Clement,  who  served  bravely  as  an 
officer  in  President  Harrison's  regiment  during  tiie  late  war,  is  so  well  known 
throughout  the  country  that  his  name  alone  insures  a  charming  company 
and  a  full  house. 

The  Clarendon  fronts  Congress  Park,  and  will  accommodate  500 
guests,  and  is  a  favorite  summer  home  for  many  of  the  best  families  of  New 
York  City. 

The  Adelphi  Hotel.  This  new  brick  hotel  adjoins  the  United  States. 
It  is  one  of  the  oldest  and  most  popular  houses  of  Saratoga. 

Remedial  Institute,  SyK  ester  S.  Strong,  M,  D.  This  is  an  unique 
institution,  combining  in  a  nove;  manner  the  pleasant  features  of  the  sani- 
tarium, the  hotel  and  the  private  boarding-house. 

The  Kenmore,  on  North  Broadway,  corner  of  Van  Dam  street,  is  a  most 
comfortable  family  hotel  for  all  the  year  around.  Heated  throughout 
with  steam,  well  carpeted,  a  model  of  cleanliness,  with  ample  piazzas,  it  is  a 
delightful  home,  summer  or  winter. 

Walworth  Mansion,  also  a  family  hotel  on  North  Broadw  ^y,  is  a  most 
desirable  abiding  place  at  all  seasons.  Its  historic  associations,  and  the 
atmosphere  of  home-like  hospitality  that  seems  to  pervade  its  premises, 
render  it  peculiarly  interesting  to  strangers.  It  presents  a  broad  front  to 
the  summer  shade  and  winter  sunshine,  and  its  grounds  afford  amusement 
with  tennis  court,  croquet  grounds,  summer-house,  etc.  It  is  heated  in 
every  room  with  steam. 

The  WoRDEN,  Victoria,  Aldine,  American,  Waverley,  Holden 
House,  Windsor,  Columbian,  Everett,  are  excellent  hotels  on  Broadvay. 
The  Continental,  Vermont  and  many  others  are  pleasantly  situated  on 

other  streets. 

Boarding-Houses. 

The  Balch  House,  Garden  View,  Mrs.  Dr.  Putnam's  delightful  home, 
The  Willoughbv,  Broadway  Hall  and  Washington  Hall,  on  Broadway, 


if 


78 


VISITOBfl    OUIDK. 


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are  houses  long  established  and  favorably  known.  There  are  many  other 
good  houses  on  Broadway  and  other  streets  that  are  to  be  found  equally 
desirable. 

The  Albanian,  corner  of  Philadelphia  and  Regent  streets,  is  a  house  well 
known  for  comfort,  refinement  and  good  liv'ng.  Some  of  the  charms  of 
old  Albany  and  a  newer  life  in  Saratoga  are  happily  blended.  It  is  open 
summer  and  winter. 

The  Saratoga  Sanitarium,  made  famous  when  first  established  by  the 
renown  of  its  consulting  physician,  maintains  its  high  reputation. 

Dr.  Hamilton's  Medical  Institute  offers  a  pleasant  and  refined 
home,  with  many  advantages  to  invalids;  it  is  on  Franklin  street.  Teft's  is 
a  large  and  comfortable  house  on  the  same  street. 

Temple  Grove  Seminary  for  young  ladies  is  an  excellent  institution  of 
learning,  and  during  the  season  it  is  a  delightfui  boarding-house,  with  its 
ample  grounds  and  pleasant  rooms,  to  which  guests  are  welcomed  by  its 
cultured  proprietors. 

The  Public  Schools  are  of  a  high  standard ;  the  High  School 
affords  adm  irable  facilities  for  a  preparation  for  college. 

The  Athenaeum,  a  public  reading-room  and  library,  is  one  of  the  im- 
portant features  of  Saratoga  life.  Here,  for  fifty  cents  a  month  or  five 
dollars  a  year,  may  be  had  all  leading  magazines  and  many  newspapers. 
Books  may  also  be  taken  from  the  library.  The  rooms  are  pleasant  and 
quiet,  loolcing  on  Broadway,  near  Caroline  street,  and  are  in  charge  of 
an  intelligent  and  painstaking  librarian. 

The  Pompeia,  a  grand  Roman  house,  illustrating  the  art,  architec- 
ture, mythology  and  customs  of  the  Roman  Empire,  affords  one  of  the 
most  remarkable  exhibits  ever  displayed.  It  consists  in  a  reproduction 
of  the  House  of  Pansa  at  Pompeii,  buried  by  Vesuvius,  A.  D.  79.  Here 
Mr.  Franklin  W.  Smith,  who  was  the  originator  of  a  return  to  the  Moorish 
or  Spanish  style  of  architecture  in  St.  Augustine,  Florida,  and  of  the  peculiar 
construction  ^of  the  new  buildings  there,  is  the  owner  of  this  Pompeia. 
Upon  it  he  has  expended  not  only  money  and  labor,  but  he  has  devoted 
years  of  study  and  travel  to  this  subject  with  earnest  enthusiasm,  and  has 
thus  succeeded  in  producing  a  work  of  art  and  a  source  of  education  which 
must  be  seen  to  be  appreciated. 

The  Mineral  Springs. 
In    an     irregular    valley,     several  miles    in    length,    lie     the    Mineral 
Springs    of    Saratoga'  county.     The   most    noted    are   within    the    limits 
that  terminate  at  the  Excelsior  and  Union  Springs  towards  the  northeast, 


;l 


i     i 


VISIT0B8'  OniDK. 


179 


ly  other 
equally 


and  ihe  Geyser,  with  other  spouting  springs,  towards  the  south.  The  valley 
winds  through  the  village  of  Saratoga  Springs,  between  the  two  principal 
streetH,  Broadway  and  Circular,  crossing  the  latter  near  the  Empire,  and  the 
former  near  the  Congress  Springs. 

This  valley  is  at  the  base  of  the  great  chains  of  mountains  towards  the 
northwest.  Beneath  it  is  a  "  fault "  or  fracture  in  the  earth's  crust,  which 
penetrates  several  geological  strata.  "The  rocks  on  the  west  side  of  the 
'fault'  are  hundreds  of  feet  above  those  on  the  east  side."  This  dis- 
placement prevents  the  free  flow  of  waters  past  the  "fault,"  the  Hudson 
river  slates  being  here  opposed  to  the  lower  silurian  rocks;  and  thus  are 
thrown  towards  the  earth's  surface  not  only  the  mineral  springs  that  sur- 
prise and  delight  us,  but  vast  numbers  of  sparkling  fresh  water  springs  of 
unrivaled  purity  and  power. 

The  High  Rock  Spring  is  the  historic  spring  of  Saratoga.  It  was 
known  to  the  Indians  before  a  white  man  trod  this  continent,  and  their 
sick  were  frequently  brought  to  the  "  Medicine  Spring  of  the  Great 
Spirit."  The  first  white  man  who  visited  the  spring  was  a  sick  French 
officer,  who  was  brought  by  the  Indians  from  Fort  Carillon. 

In  1767,  Sir  William  Johnson  was  carried  to  the  spring  on  a  litter,  the 
Indians  having  persuaded  him  that  the  waters  would  be  a  sure  remedy  for  the 
serious  illness  he  frequently  suffered  in  consequence  of  an  old  wound.  In 
1783,  General  Philip  Schuyler  opened  a  road  from  the  Fish  Kill,  through 
the  forest,  to  the  spring,  near  which  he  raised  a  tent,  and  lived  in  it  during 
the  summer.  The  next  season  he  put  up  the  first  frame  house  that  was  built 
at  the  springs. 

Considered  medicinally,  the  waters  of  this  spring  are  among  the  very 
best  of  the  mineral  fountains  of  Saratoga,  and  many  old  residents  prefer 
them  to  any  others.  The  especial  feature  of  this  spring,  however,  is  its 
remarkable  geological  formation.  "  It  is  one  of  the  greatest  natural  curiosities 
in  the  world — perhaps  the  most  remarkable  specimen  of  its  kind  upon  the 
whole  face  of  the  earth."  It  can  be  reached  by  descending  into  the  valley 
from  Rock  street  down  a  long  but  easy  flight  of  steps,  or  by  walking  a  few 
rods  around  the  hill  by  the  Empire  Spring.  The  rock  is  nearly  four  feet  in 
height  above  the  surface  of  the  ground,  and  over  twenty-four  feet  in  circum- 
ference at  the  base.  The  spring  bubbles  up  through  an  aperture  in  the 
center  of  the  rock,  remaining  ten  inches  below  the  top,  where  the  opening  is 
one  foot  in  diameter.  The  walls  of  the  rock  are  of  nearly  uniform  thick- 
ness. The  spring  formerly  overflowed  this  rock,  which  has  been  formed 
from  the  mineral  deposits  of  the  water.  "  The  mineral  substances  held  in 
solution  in  the  springs  with  the  carbonic  acid  gas  are  magnesia,  lime  and 
iron;  these  substances,  together  with  others  furnished  from  materials  about 


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the  spring,  such  as  leaves,  twigs,  nuts  and  shells  of  snails,  compose  the 
High  Rock.  The  phenomenon  is  not  an  isolated  instance  of  this  kind  of 
formation  at  thr  springs  of  Saratoga.  A  large  amount  of  this  deposit  was 
thrown  down  at  the  Flat  Rock  Spring,  and  at  the  mouth  of  the  Empire 
there  was  a  deposit  of  tufa,  about  the  size  of  a  two-quart  bowl,  with  an 
aperture  of  two-inches,"  These  deposits  are  always  going  on,  but  they 
seldom  repos*"  long  enough  to  accumulate  and  be  cemented  together. 
The  position  of  the  Congress  Spring  in  the  side  of  the  rock,  from  which  it 
made  a  rapid  descent  into  the  creek  just  below,  prevented  any  such 
accumulation. 

The  water  of  the  High  Rock  Spring  is  of  uniform  quality,  and  an  excellent 
tonic;  it  is  also  bottled  on  an  extensive  scale. 

Congress  Spring  and  Park,  corner  of  Broadway  and  Congress  streets. 
Let  us  revert  for  a  moment  to  Saratoga  Springs  in  the  past.  It  is  \ugust, 
1792.  Near  the  High  Rock  Spring  stand  two  rude  log  houses,  to  which 
rough  additions  have  been  made  which  convert  them  into  taverns  for 
the  accommodation  of  visitors  to  the  one  spring  then  known  [in  this  locality; 
in  the  rear  of  these  houses  is  a  quaint  blacksmith's  shop,  built  of  heavy 
stone.  Not  far  distant,  embowered  by  the  primitive  forest,  is  the  simple 
summer  house  of  General  Philip  Schuyler,  consisting  of  two  rooms, 
with  a  large  stone  fireplace  and  chimney  betw  een  them.  A  mile  to  the  west 
is  the  "  clearing  "  of  Gideon  Putnam.  A  few  visitors  are  gathered  at  the 
little  taverns.  They  come  to  use  the  waters  of  the  "  great  medicine  spring  " 
of  traditional  renown,  the  High  Rock;  some  of  the  gentlemen  being 
attracted  simply  by  the  fine  hunting  and  fishing  to  be  enjoyed  in  the  vicinity. 
The  dense  forest,  the  abundance  and  variety  of  game,  and  the  repose  of  the 
wilderness  appealed  more  strongly  to  the  men  of  that  day  than  to  those  of 
the  present  time. 

We  can  easily  imagine  the  sense  of  treedom  and  invigorated  life  with 
which  the  statesman  and  merchant  of  '92,  already  familiar  from  boyhood 
with  the  use  of  gun,  boat  and  horse,  would  hasten  to  the  forest  "spring" 
for  a  few  weeks  of  rest  and  refreshment.  Among  such  visitors  was  Governor 
John  Taylor  Gilman,  of  New  Hampshire,  who  had  been  a  delegate  to  the 
Continental  Congress.  "  On  a  sunny  afternoon  he  took  his  gun  and 
wandered  from  the  High  Rock  up  the  creek  into  the  deep  woods  in  search 
of  game.  Coming  to  a  little  waterfall  he  found  at  the  foot  of  it  a  small 
jet  of  sparkling  water  issuing  t»om  the  rocky  bank  of  the  stream  ;  st^^oping 
down  to  drink  he  found  this  little  sparkling  jet,  no  bigger  than  a  pipe  stem, 
to  be  mineral  water.  He  hastened  back  to  his  boarding  place  and  made 
known  his  discovery.  Every  person  in  the  settlement  was  soon  at  the  foot 
of  that  cascade  in  tue  deep,  wild  woods,  wondering  at  the  curious  spectacle. 


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You  could  almost  count  them  all  on  your  fingers.  There  was  Risley,  prop- 
rietor of  one  of  the  log  houses,  and  his  family,  and  Bryant,  the  patriot 
scout  of  the  Revolution,  who  owned  the  other  one.  There  were  also 
General  Schuyler,  Dr.  Blakesley,  Gideon  Putnam,  a  brother  of  Governor 
Gilman,  with  a  few  more  guests  c  the  log  tavc-ns.  There,  too,  was  Indian 
Joe,  from  his  clearing  on  the  hill,  where  the  Clarendon  now  stands,  and  some 
of  his  swarthy  brethren  from  their  huts  near  the  High  Rock,  wondering 
at  the  strange  commotion  among  the  pale-faces  at  the  little  waterfall  in 
the  brook. 

"  They  all,  gathering  around  it,  each  in  turn  tasted  the  water  of  the  newly 
found  fountain.  They  pronounced  it  of  superior  quality,  and  they  named  it 
then  and  there  the  Congress  Spring,  to  compliment  its  distinguished  dis- 
coverer, and  in  hone,  f  the  old  Continental  Congress,  of  which  he  had  been 
a  member." 

Such  was  the  '.t  i  ning  of  the  reputation  of  the  great  spring,  which  has 
been  and  must  continue  to  be  a  living  fountain  of  joy  to  Saratoga— her 
treasure  and  Iier  pride — her  Kohinoor  !  How  pure,  how  cencentrated  and  how 
firmly  fixed  must  the  elements  be  that  compose  this  generous  fountain  of 
health,  nestling  as  it  does  in  the  \z^y  midst  of  a  bed  of  fresh,  pure  waters  ! 
The  amphitheatre-like  knolls  around  it  are  bursting  forth  and  brimming 
over,  by  nature,  at  every  crevice  with  great  jets  of  fresh  water.  Before 
improvements  were  begun  these  waters  permeated  the  marshy  basin  beneath, 
which,  though  dense  with  vegetation,  still  held  them  caressingly,  and  only 
reluctantly  allowed  them  to  flow  off  in  a  l'*ne  stream  through  the  valley. 

In  1804  the  spring  was  found  insufficie.it  for  the  demands  made  upon  it. 
Gideon  Putnam,  who  then  owned  it,  thought  he  saw  indications  of  gas  in 
the  creek  some  distance  from  the  spring,  which  he  deemed  might  indicate 
its  original  source.  He  turnedthe  bed  of  the  creek  and  found  his  sup- 
position correct ;  a  large  stream  flowed  from  this  place.  He  immediately 
sunk  a  strong  wooden  tube,  which  secured  it  for  forty  years,  and  it  has 
seldom  been  in  need  of  repairs. 

The  improved  method  of  bottling  the  Congress  water  has  greatly 
increased  its  value,  as  will  be  readily  recognized  by  those  familiar  with  it  in 
the  past,  or  by  any  one  who  will  look  through  tlie  bottles  at  the  transparent, 
sparkling  fluid.  Although  the  best  known  processes  were  used  for  bottling, 
they  all  involved  the  loss  of  some  of  the  gases  by  pumping  or  otherwise 
disturbing  the  water.  The  bottling  is  now  done  several  feet  below  the 
surface  of  the  ground,  where  the  water  runs  naturally  from  the  spring. 

Columbian  Spring.  This  is  a  tonic  spring,  and  many  patients  who  are 
suffering  from  general  debility  are  sent  by  their  physicians  to  Saratoga  to 
obtain  the  benefit  of  this  water. 


:WV- 


182 


VISITORS     GUIDE. 


Excelsior  Spring  -nd  Park.  This  spring,  with  its  surrounding  park,  is 
about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  northeast  of  the  village.  The  park  embraces 
that  beautiful  portion  of  Saratoga  Springs  which  was  known  for  many 
years  as  "  The  Valley  of  the  Ten  Springs,"  with  the  table  land  lying  on 
either  side  of  the  valley.  The  high  ground  commands  fine  views  of  the 
mountains  of  Vermont  and  of  those  around  Lake  George.  The  fine, 
..^tural  forest  of  the  park  affords  the  most  delightful  rambies,  with  some 
beautiful  woodland  views.  This  is  pre-eminently  "the  walk"  outside  of  the 
village,  and  can  be  made  long  or  short,  according  to  the  path  chosen. 

Thk  Excelsior  Spring  is  remarkable  for  ics  crystaline  purity,  its  min- 
eral substances  being  held  in  such  perfect  solution  that  "seeing  is  [not] 
believing,"  but  one  must  taste  the  water  to  receive  assurance  that  the 
long  list  of  chemicals — sodium,  lime,  magnesia,  iron,  etc.,  are  really  within 
its  transparency.  This,  the  most  important  of  the  "Ten  Springs,"  vvas 
retubedwith  great  care  in  1859.  The  excavation  was  made  to  the  "Trenton  lime 
rock,  where  the  mineral  water  from  five  different  points  flowed  into  the  well." 

The  Excelsior  only  needs  to  be  known  to  be  appreciated.  The  water 
is  sparkling  and  delightful  to  the  taste,  its  medicinal  effects  are  active  and  its 
surroundings  charming.  It  is  bottlei;  without  sediment,  and  any  visitor  who 
enjoys  getting  at  the  "  bottom  facts  "  o;  things,  and  all  those  who  recognize 
scientific  thoroughness  and  honorable  earnestness,  will  do  well  to  inspect 
the  ways  and  means  used  in  bottling  at  this  spring  by  the  Messrs.  Lawrence 
Bros.  These  gentlemen  were  the  first  to  devise  and  put  into  effect  the  new 
method  of  bottling — carryinji^  )!•.  this  work  below  the  surface  of  the  ground, 
on  a  level  with  the  spring,  and  thus  leaving  its  gases  undisturbed,  instead 
of  forcing  the  water  of  the  spring  up,  for  the  convenience  of  the  work.  They 
have  also  invented  a  new  process  of  supplying  spring  water  oii  draught, 
by  which  it  can  be  drawn  from  the  fountain  of  the  druggist,  pure  and 
unadulterated,  as  it  came  from  the  spring.  Heretofore,  even  when  the 
genuine  <vater  was  supplied  by  such  fountains,  it  was  found  necessary  to 
charge  it  with  artificial  gases.  To  avoid  this  objectionable  feature  has  been 
an  object  of  much  thought  and  many  experiments.  Mr.  Lawrence  suc- 
ceeded in  obviating  th'.s  difficulty  by  means  of  block-tin-lined  reservoirs, 
filled  by  hydrostatic  pressure  and  perfectly  gas  tight.  Thest  reservoirs  or 
barrels  are  made  on  the  premises,  at  the  Excelsior,  and  are  shipped  to 
druggists,  under  special  contract  that  no  artificial  gas  or  other  .substance 
shall  be  mixed  with  the  water.  A  simple  mechanism  enables  the  druggist 
to  attach  the  reservoir  to  the  fountain;  and  when  the  water  is  exhausted,  the 
reservoir  is  returned  to  the  spring  to  be  refilled.  This  is  an  improvement 
in  the  use  of  mineral  waters  that  will  be  highly  esteemed  by  the  public  as 
soon  as  it  is  generally  understood. 


mm 


VISITORS     OUIDK. 


183 


ing  park,  is 
rk  embraces 
n  for  many 
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Lawrence 
t  the  new 
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sted,  the 
ovement 
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Empire  Spring.  This  is  one  of  the  noted  springs  of  the  place,  and  is  in 
the  northern  part  of  the  village,  just  in  the  depth  of  the  valley;  behind  it 
is  a  bold  face  of  limestone  formation.  The  water  of  this  valuable  mineral 
spring  had  been  noted  long  before  any  attempt  was  made  to  utilize  it. 
About  thirty  years  ago,  however,  it  was  provided  with  a  tube,  so  that  the 
waters  that  had  been  trickling  away  uselessly  for  ages  might  be  secured. 
Since  then  it  has  been  used  on  the  spot  by  thousands,  and  is  bottlec'  in 
large  quantities.  It  vies  with  the  Congress  Spring  in  itr.  qualities,  which 
it  resembles  in  some  respects,  but  for  other  properties  its  admirers  claim  a 
superiority. 

Washington  Spring.  The  peculiar  virtue  of  this  spring  is  its  tonic  prop- 
erty. Its  waters  are  largely  impregnated  with  iron  and  with  carbonic 
acid  gas,  that  render  it  pleasantly  exhilarating. 

The  Kissengen  is  a  fine  effervescent  spring  water,  said  to  be  especially 
beneficial  in  cases  of  insomnia. 

The  Rfd  Spring  ?s  near  the  Empire,  and  is  an  acknowledged  remedy  for 
skin  diseases,  and  is  in  demand  for  weak  eyes.  It  is  efficacious  for  external 
use  and  has  extensive  bath-houses  where  it  can  be  used  freely  and  with 
convenience.     It  is  also  bottled  and  sold  in  large  quantities. 

Geyser  Spouting  Spring.  On  the  way  to  Ballston,  about  a  mile  and  a 
half  from  the  village,  one  of  the  most  remarkable  mineral  springs  issuing 
from  the  laboratory  of  chemical  compounds  that  makes  Saratoga's  celebrity, 
may  be  found.  This  is  the  Geyser  Spring,  which  was  recently  discov- 
ered. A  shaft  of  140  feet  deep  w?s  sunk  below  the  surface  rock,  and  when 
the  spring  was  reached,  instantaneously  its  waters  spouted  with  unre- 
strained force  high  up  in  the  air.  With  unabated  vigor  the  fountain  still 
plies  its  action.  The  water  is  thrown  to  the  height  of  twenty-five  feet. 
It  has  acquired  great  popularity,  and  may  be  found  for  sale  extensively 
throughout  the  Union. 

Champion  Spring.  This  is  h.  beautiful  spoutit.^  spring  near  the  Geyser; 
it  is  uncovered,  and  may  be  easily  seen  from  passing  trains  on  the  railroad, 
throwing  its  sparkling  jets  into  the  air  during  the  summer,  or  stealing  silently 
over  its  gorgeous  surroundings  of  ice-bound  spray  during  the  winter;  at 
this  season  it  is  a  rare  and  beautiful  sight,  with  its  tent-like  pyramid  of 
frozen  waters,  colored  a  rich  brown  from  the  mineral  deposit. 

ViCHV  Spring.  This  is  also  a  spouting  spring,  near  the  shore  of  the 
Geyser  Lake,  of  admirable  mineral  properties,  and  is  rapidly  gaining  favor 
with  the  public.  It  is  on  draught  by  all  best  druggists  in  New  York  City, 
and  in  good  demand;  it  is  extensively  bottled. 

Triton  Spring.     This  is  another  of  the  spouting  springs,  and  is  situated 


i84 


VI8ITOK8    GUIDE. 


MS 


fl 


1 

I 


on  the  opposite  side  of  Geyser  Lake  from  the  Vichy ;  it  also  has  good  min- 
eral properties. 

The  Favorite  Spring  on  Lake  avenue  and  the  Imperial  spring  have 
excellent  qualtities. 

The  Patterson  Spring  on  Philadelphia  street  has  a  well-earned 
popularity. 

The  Royal  Spring,  obtained  by  deep  boring,  is  very  fine,  and  is  bottled 
in  large  quantities. 

Pavilion  Spring  and  United  States  Spring.  A  stranger  might  inad- 
vertantly pass  by  the  place  of  these  two  springs,  from  the  secluded  locality  in 
which  they  are  hidden  in  a  valley,  a  few  feet  from  Broadway,  off  Spring 
Avenue,  did  not  a  guiding  sign  direct  his  steps  to  the  Pavilion  Spring  and 
Park.  Although  dwelling  under  a  common  roof,  these  two  springs  give 
expression  to  their  distinct  origins,  for  they  differ  very  much  in  their  prop- 
erties.   A  bottling  establishment  is  connected  with  these  springs. 

Hamilton  Spring  is  on  Spring  street,  at  the  corner  of  Putnam  street, 
in  the  rear  of  Congress  Hall.  It  has  valuable  properties  common  to  others. 
It  is  curiously  said  that,  "  Persons  suffering  from  '  a  cold '  should  not 
drink  this  water."  The  visitor  desirous  -:  '  earning  the  fitness  of  things, 
may  find  entertaining  occupation  ia  set   '■>•:.  j.  good  reason  for  this  caution. 

White  Sulphur  Sprino.  Following  out  Lake  avenue  to  about  a  mile 
east  from  Broadway,  the  tourist  will  discover  the  White  Sulphur  Spring. 
The  clear,  bright  waters  emitted  from  this  spring  lay  claim  to  all  the  merits 
vaunted  for  sulphur  springs  anywhere  in  the  land.  Stages  run  hourly 
between  the  White  Sulphur  Spring  and  the  village,  furnishing  comfortable 
conveyance  to  all  who  desire  to  experience  the  benefits  of  the  sulphureted 
water,  whether  taken  internally  as  a  beverage,  or  used  as  a  bath;  for  the 
purposes  of  the  latter  a  commodious  bath  house,  with  all  convenience  of 
rooms  for  hot  and  cold  sulphur  baths,  is  supplied.  The  Eureka  Spring  is 
near  the  White  Sulphur. 

The  Saratoga  Carlsbad  is  a  "  spoater,"  and  is  thought  efficacious 
in  diseases  of  the  kidneys  and  liver;  it  is  among  the  best  of  the  springs  of 
later  discovery. 

Hathorn  Spring.  This  spring  is  situated  on  Spring  street,  a  few  steps 
from  Broadway.  It  was  discovered  accidentally  in  1869,  and  carefully 
tubed  in  1872.  It  has  acquired  a  sudden  popularity,  and  is  bottled  in  large 
quantities.  It  is  strongly  cathartic,  and  is  said  to  be  used  with  good 
effect  in  cases  of  rheumatism.  It  contains  valuable  properties,  and  its  recent 
discovery  is  a  proof  of  the  unfailing  source  of  Saratoga's  treasure-house  of 
mineral  waters. 


'  in  . 


VISITORS    GUIDE. 


185 


as  good  min- 
spring  have 
well-earned 

nd  is  bottled 

might  inad- 
sd  localit}'  in 
off  Spring 
I  Spring  and 
springs  give 
n  their  prop- 

tnam  street, 
>n  to  others, 
should    not 
is  of  things, 
:his  caution, 
^bout  a  mile 
»hur  Spring. 
II  the  merits 
run   hourly 
comfortable 
sulphureted 
ath;  for  the 
ivenience  of 
I  Spring  is 

efficacious 
springs  of 

a  few  step«5 
carefully 
ed  in  large 
vith  good 
its  recent 
e-house  of 


Star  Spring.  This  spring  has  been  wedded  to  the  interests  of  different 
owners,  who  have  manifested  their  favor  for  it  with  various  names. 
Within  the  fifty  years  that  its  remedial  virtues  have  been  appropriated, 
it  has  been  called  the  President,  the  Iodine,  and  lust,  the  Star  Spring.  It 
was  tubed  in  1835,  and  during  the  last  ten  or  twelve  years  has  risen  in 
public  estimation. 

Putnam  Spring  is  near  Henry  street,  and  has  a  bathing  establish- 
ment connected  with  it,  for  the  external  use  of  the  waters. 

Seltzer  Spr'wg  is  neav  the  High  Rock  Spring,  and  its  properties  are 
similar  to  tho  famous  German  "  Seltzer.' 

Saratoga  A.  Spring  is  above  the  Empire  on  Spring  street.  It  is  a  deli- 
cious beverage,  clear  and  cold,  and  a  valuable  mineral  spring. 

Magnetic  Spring.  This  is  a  newly  discovered  spring  near  the  High 
Rock,  and  it  has  some  peculiar  properties. 

A  Few  Pleasant  Walks. 
{See  Map  of  the  Village  of  Saratoga  Springs.) 

I.  The  length  of  Broadway,  north  and  south,  as  far  as  the  shade  trees 
extend,  including  a  visit  to  Congress  Park,  or  the  Indian  Camp  and 
Pleasure  Grove,  near  South  Broadway. 

II.  Wood  Lawn.  From  North  Broadway  turn  into  Greenfield  avenue, 
opposite  Rock  street,  and  thence  into  Wood  Lawn  avenue,  which  leads  direct 
to  the  Wood  Lawn  estate.  From  the  slope  in  front  of  the  house  there  is  a 
fine  view  of  the  surrounding  mountains  and  the  distant  peaks  of  the  Cats- 
kills.  The  magnificent  Park  which  forms  a  part  of  this  estate  is  so  well 
known  as  to  require  but  brief  mention.  Although  private  property,  it  is 
hospitably  open  to  pedestrians  and  to  carriages. 

III.  A  stroll  through  Green  Ridge  Cemetery,  along  Cin  ular  street  as 
far  as  the  Empire  Spring,  and  a  short  distance  out  Spring  avenue  to  the 
Red  Spring. 

IV.  Excelsior  Woods.  From  Circular  street,  where  it  begins  to  wind 
down  the  hill  to  the  Empire  Spring,  turn  up  York  avenue,  which  leads 
directly  to  the  woods,  through  which  a  delightful,  shady  path  winds  down  to 
the  Excelsior,  Union  and  Minnehaha  Springs. 

Another  way  of  reaching  Excelsior  Woods  is  to  walk  out  Lake  avenue, 
and  turn  to  the  left  at  East  avenue. 

V.  Each  of  the  mineral  springs  in  the  village  should  be  visited  in  turn, 
besides  which  there  are  many  quiet,  shady  streets  of  residences,  both  east 
and  west  of  Broadway,  which  the  pedestrian  stranger  will  enjoy  hunting  up 
at  leisure. 


\'  I 


1 86  visitors'  guide. 

Short  Drives  From  Saratoga  Springs. 
(Sei  Map  of  Drives  in  the  Vicinity  of  Saratoga  Springs.) 

Omnibuses  run  trom  Broadway  to  Saratoga  Lake,  to  the  White  Sulphur 
Spring  at  the  south  end  of  the  Lake,  the  Geyser  and  other  spouting  springs. 
Excelsior  and  Ten  Springs,  Eureka  and  White  Sulphur  Springs. 

Light  Vehicles,  suitable  for  country  excursions,  and  luxurious  Car- 
riages are  advantageously  obtained  at  the  United  States  Livery  and  at  the 
Congress  Hall  Livery. 

To  Saratoga  Lake  (four  miles  southeast).  This  is  the  fashionable 
drive  from  Saratoga  Springs.  The  principal  road  is  Union  avenue,  which  is 
an  extension  of  Congress  street.  It  is  a  broad  boulevard  with  a  double  row  of 
trees  in  the  center,  and  is  kept  sprinkled  along  its  entire  extent  during  the 
'*  season."  It  passes  the  race  course,  and  leads  directly  to  Moon's  Lake 
House,  and  Tolime's  House,  where  the  famous  "  Saratoga  Lake  potatoes  " 
are  ordered  with  ice  cream  and  refreshing  drinks.  A  pleasant  feature  of  the 
drive  is  the  o.itra  between  ^ne  repooe  and  beauty  of  the  distant  Green 
Mountains,  anu  the  excitement  and  interest  of  watching  the  quick  succession 
of  brilliant  equipages  that  dash  past.  Lake  avenue,  another  road  to  the 
Lake,  leaves  Broadway  at  the  Town  H^ll  and  forks  off  at  the  old  Half  Way 
House  (now  called  Freeman's  Hotel),  the  right  hand  road  running  into  Union 
avenue  and  thence  to  the  Lake  House.  The  drive  back  from  the  lake  may 
be  varied  by  continuing  along  the  lake  shore  from  Moon's,  and  taking  the 
south  road  to  the  village  (the  first  turn  to  the  right).  This  road  winds  past 
romantic  little  Lake  Lonely,  and  crosses  its  outlet  at  the  Red  Bridge.  The 
village  is  reached  either  by  turning  into  Nelson  street  or  South  Broadway. 

To  the  Geyser  and  Spouting  Springs.  (One  mile  and  a  half  southwest.) 
By  continuing  the  last  mentioned  drive  about  a  mile  farther  instead  of  turn- 
ing into  Broadway,  Geyser  Lake  and  the  Spouting  Springs  art  reached.  But 
the  most  direct  route  there  and  back  is  by  Ballston  avenue,  which  leaves 
Broadway  diagonally,  one  block  south  of  the  Clarendon  Hotel.  It  passes 
near  the  glass  works,  which  may  be  visited  at  the  same  time. 

Loughberrv  Lake  Drive  (three  miles)  and  the  Excelsior  (one  mile 
northeast).  After  driving  to  Glen  Mitchell  those  who  would  enjoy  a  quiet, 
picturesque  drive  of  a  few  miles  should  turn  to  the  right,  pass  Maple  avenue 
and  drive  on  round  the  shore  of  Loughberry  Lake,  turn  into  Spring  avenue, 
which  passes  the  water  works  and  gas  works,  or  drive  through  Excelsior  Park, 
the  Ten  Spring  Valley — stop  at  the  Excelsior  for  a  cool,  sparkling  drink,  d.nd 
then  back  by  Lake  avenue. 

To  the  Poplar  Tree  on  Prospect  Ridge.  (About  five  miles  nortli- 
west.)     If  not  the  finest  of  all,  this  is  certainly  one  of  the  most  beautiful  drives 


visitors'  guide 


187 


lite  Sulphur 
ng  springs, 

urious  Car- 
and  at  the 

fashionable 
ue,  which  is 
uble  row  of 

during  the 
oon's  Lake 
e  potatoes  " 
iture  of  the 
tant  Green 

succession 
oad  to  the 

Half  Way 
into  Union 
e  lake  may 
taking  the 
winds  past 
idge.     The 
oadway. 
southwest.) 
id  of  turn- 
:hed.     But 
lich  leaves 

It  passes 

(one  mile 
>y  a  quiet, 
'le  avenue 
g  avenue, 
sior  Park, 
Irink,  4nd 

es  north - 
ful  drives 


within  a  convenient  distance  of  the  village,  though  it  is  not  so  well  known 
as  those  hitherto  described.  The  moment  the  open  country  is  reached  the 
scenery  is  charming.  The  Kayaderosseras  range  of  mountains  is  seen  to  the 
west,  while  along  the  nortliern  horizon  runs  an  unbroken  ridge  of  the  Green- 
field hills  (designated  on  the  map  as  Prospect  Ridge),  on  the  crest  of  which  a 
solitrry  poplar  tree  stands  out  prominently  against  the  sky.  This  tree  is  the 
object  toward  which  the  drive  is  directed.  When  the  road  begins  to  ascend 
the  ridge,  the  views  constantly  increasing  in  scope  and  beauty,  it  is  lost  sight 
of  and  next  appears  when  it  is  only  a  short  distance  in  front.  The  poplar 
should  be  reached,  if  possible,  just  at  sunset,  when  the  whole  scene  is  enchant- 
ing. But  to  return  to  more  practical  directions.  From  Broadway  turn  into 
Van  Dam  or  Church  streets,  either  of  which  leads  into  Waring  Avenue,  a 
broad,  even  road.  At  the  first  cross  road  after  leaving  the  village  (Granger's 
Four  Corners)  turn  to  the  right.  In  a  short  distance  the  road  divides,  out 
follow  the  left  hand  road,  and  passing  through  Locust  Grove  Corners,  do  not 
turn  until  the  Adirondack  Railroad  is  crossed.  Here  the  road  rises  rapidly 
over  several  hills  near  Darrow's  farm,  from  each  of  which  the  view  is  very 
fine.  Saratoga  Lake  and  Snake  Hill  are  plainly  discernable.  When  visitors 
ask  to  go  to  Prospect  Hill  they  are  frequently  brought  here.  (The  real  Pros- 
pect Hill  is  designated  on  the  Map  of  Drives  as  Haggerty  Hill,  which  is  its 
local  name.)  The  entire  drive  to  the  poplar,  as  here  given,  is  over  a  good, 
smooth  road.  After  leaving  Darrow's  take  the  first  turn  to  the  right,  and  the 
solitary  poplar  will  soon  appear.  The  view  from  the  carriage  is  g'/od,  but  a 
walk  across  the  field  to  the  tree  will  give  a  better  one.  A  few  rods  eas*  of  the 
poplar  a  road  turns  to  the  right,  passes  near  Granite  I/akr,  and  leads  into  the 
road  to  Glen  Mitchell.  It  is  a  little  rougher  than  the  other,  but  makes  abeau- 
tiful  and  shorter  return  drive.  Instead  of  going  on  to  Glen  Mitchell,  a  diag- 
onal turn  to  the  right  near  Denton's  brings  one  into  Greenfield  avenue. 

LoNc;  DKivr.K. 

(On  these  expeditions  it  would  be  well  to  take  the  Map  of  Drives,  and  by 
noticing  the  cross  roads  and  the  forks  the  roads  are  easily  found.  To  pre- 
vent confusion,  on  so  small  a  map  only  the  most  important  or  direct  r(.»iids 
are  given,  the  others  being  indicated  merely  as  branching  off  from  them. 
Care  has  been  taken  to  give  the  local  names  of  places;  most  of  the  hills  being 
named  after  the  farmers  who  lived  upon  them,  so  that  if  necessary  directions 
can  be  asked  at  farm-houses  along  the  road.  A  field-glass  should  be  taken  on 
drives  or  expeditions  to  hills  from  which  there  are  distant  views.) 

Mount  McGregor.  (Eight  miles  north).  Drive  out  to  Glen  Mitchell, 
turn  to  the  right,  then  take  the  first  road  to  the  left  (opposite  Maple  avenue). 
From  here  the  road  follows  the  eastern  base  of  the  Palmert/ywn  Range,  to 


1 88 


VISITORS     GUIDE. 


r  I 


V: 


which  Mount  McGregor  belongs,  and  which  extends  from  Glen  Mitchell  to 
Lake  George ;  at  the  first  fork  in  the  road  keep  to  the  left,  at  the  second  to 
the  right,  and  drive  on  to  Doe's  Corners.  Here  a  winding,  rugged  road  leads 
up  the  Mount  to  the  Balmoral  Hotel,  where  a  lunch  or  dinner  can  be 
obtained,  and  near  which  is  the  Look-Off.  When  it  can  be  said  that  the  view 
from  this  point,  though  on  a  smaller  scale,  is  similar  to  the  one  from  the 
Mountain  House  on  the  Catskills,  no  one  will  doubt  that  it  is  well  worth  see- 
ing. Besides  the  ranges  of  mountains  that  skirt  the  horizon,  which  sweeps 
around  in  a  vast  semi-circle — Glens  Falls,  Fort  Edward,  Sandy  Hill,  Schuyler- 
ville,  Saratoga  village  and  lake,  and  Willard's  Mountain,  overlooking  the 
Battle  Ground,  are  plainly  discernable,  while  Bennington  lies  off  among  the 
hills  on  the  east  side  of  the  Hudson.  To  one  who  has  already  visited  or 
intends  to  visit  the  historic  spots  in  this  region,  there  is  an  especial  interest  in 
thus  seeing  at  a  glance  the  great  theater  of  the  many  and  brilliant  military 
movements  of  Burgoyne's  campaign — his  marches,  his  defeats,  his  surrender. 

An  easier,  and  to  a  majority  of  visitors  a  more  agreeable,  way  of  visiting 
Mount  McGregor  is  by  rail  over  the  picturesque  and  skillfully  engineered 
mountain  railroad.  The  station  is  on  North  Broadway,  above  Van  Dam  street, 
and  the  trains  are  frequent.  A  fine  hotel  crowns  the  top  of  the  mountain.  A 
pilgrimage  to  the  cottage  in  which  General  Grant  died,  gives  a  pathetic,  though 
heroic  interest  to  the  place,  for  on  no  field  of  battle  was  his  unconquerable 
spirit  more  marked  than  in  his  prolonged  contest  with  death. 

The  Grkenheld  Hille— Prosi-ect  Ridge.  (Round  trip  about  eighteen 
miles  nortiiwest).  Drive  out  Waring  avenue,  pass  Granger's  F"our  Corners 
without  turning  either  to  the  right  or  left,  and  then  take  the  first  road  to  the 
left,  near  a  school-house,  to  reach  Hickock's  Hill.  This  road  is  steep,  and 
winds  over  some  slippery  rocks,  making  it  a  dangerous  place  for  horses.  It 
would  be  well  to  ascend  the  hill  on  foot.  The  view  is  best  seen  from  the  front 
of  Newell's  cottage.  Widow  Smith's  Hill  is  readied  eilher  by  continuing  on 
past  Hickock's  House  and  taking  the  first  road  to  the  left,  or  by  returning  \<3i 
the  school-house  and  driving  through  Splinterville,  which  is  a  very  small  i'i7/e 
indeed,  and  then  turning  to  tlie  left.  Frnm  the  Widow  Smith's  drive  on  to 
the  first  cross  road  and  turn  to  the  right  to  reach  Haggerty  or  Prospect  Hi!!, 
which  Is  six  miles  fnim  the  village.  Then  drive  on  through  Greenfield  Center, 
pUBl  th»'  popliii  liup  (uid  on  to  Kli  Stiles',  from  wliosii  p|a(  e  there  is  another 
fine  view,  Here  there  are  four  corners.  Turn  to  the  right  and  follow  the 
i"oad  along  by  the  Palmertown  Hills  to  Glen  Mllciiell. 

J^AKE  UlCHOI.ATIoN,  (About  twelve  miles  nojlhwest).  Follow  GiPenfield 
or  Walltig  avpnile  iiUu  (lie  Soiilh  Greenfield  road,  thence  on  past  Widow 
Smith's  house,  neu(  sv)ii(  |i  t\ip.rc  is  a  f'liii:  uitw,  jn  Jome«^/|M  (or  Ml/idle  Grove). 
From  there  drive  north  and  wpsI  tn  lilHlfii^iil'^  Cotrtfefi  mi^  tutti  «f/»rp(y  io 


VISITOKS'   Q0IDE. 


189 


Mitchell  to 
lie  second  to 
ed  road  leads 
nner  can  be 
^liat  the  view 
>iie  from  the 

1  Avorth  see- 
/hich  sweeps 
ill,  Schuyler- 
rlooking  the 
f  among  the 
ly  visited  or 
al  interest  in 
ant  military 
s  surrender. 
'  of  visiting 

engineered 

Dam  street, 

lountain.    A 

etic,  though 

conquerable 

)ut  eighteen 
>ur  Corners 
road  to  the 
steep,  and 
horses,     ft 
'm  the  front 
itinuing  on 
'turning  to 
small  vilU 
Irive  on  to 
spect  nil!, 
eld  Center, 
is  another 
follow  the 


the  left.  F"rom  here  to  the  lake  the  road  is  rough  and  up  hill,  the  scenery 
desolate  as  the  name  of  the  lake  suggests,  and  the  distant  views  magnificent. 
Near  the  Seely  place,  on  the  way,  there  is  a  watering  trough,  supplied  from 
a  fresh  water  spring,  remarkable  both  for  its  volume  and  its  quality. 

White  Sulphur  Spring  Park  and  Hotel.  (Eight  miles  southwest). 
Drive  out  to  Saratoga  Lake,  down  the  hill  behind  Moon's  to  Tolime's  House, 
thence  across  the  bridge  and  along  the  lake  shore — a  lovely  drive — to  the  far 
side  of  Snake  Hill,  where  the  White  Sulphur  Spring,  Hotel  and  Park  are 
situated. 

From  the  White  Sulphur  Spring  there  is  a  road  to  Bemis'  Heights  (see 
Map  of  Drives),  thence  along  the  Hudson  River  to  Stillwater,  and  on  to 
MechanicsviUe,  through  which  the  Rensselaer  and  Saratoga  Railroad  passes. 

Round  Lake.  (Twelve  miles  south).  Round  Lake,  the  great  camp- 
meeting  ground,  can  be  reached  by  carriage  .  rom  the  road  between  Ballston 
and  the  White  Sulphur  Spring  by  turning  south  through  Dunning's  Corners 
and  Malta.  It  is  only  a  few  minutes'  ride  on  the  cars  from  Saratoga  to  either 
of  these  places.  Here  a  summer  school  has  been  established  with  remarkable 
success  and  is  conducted  by  eminent  scholars. 

Chai'Man's  Hill  (five  miles  southeast)  from  which  there  is  a  fine  view,  is 
reached  by  turning  sharply  to  the  left  at  the  first  road  which  leaves  the  lake 
shore  after  crossing  the  bridge  from  Tolime's  House,  and  keeping  straight 
up  the  hill  past  the  Chapman  House. 

Wagman's  Hill  (seven  miles  southeast)  is  about  three  miles  farther  from 
the  Lake  Shore  road.  After  mounting  Chapman's  Hill,  turn  to  the  left  at  two 
different  cross  roads,  and  keep  right  on  till  the  hill  beyond  the  school-house  is 
mounted.  The  views  are  beautiful  all  the  way  from  Chapman's  Hill  to 
Wagman's,  and  the  road  passes  through  an  unusually  fine  farming  region. 
From  Wagman's  Hill  a  road  to  the  left  leads  to  Stafford's  Bridge,  and  thence 
to  Saratoga  Springs,  either  by  Mo(>m's  Lakt;  House,  ut  the  Schuylerville  road. 
Another  road  from  the  Hill  leads  direct  to  Schuylerville. 

WaHINii  HM  I'  (nho(it  fourteen  miles  and  a  half  northwest).  "The  boldest 
and  most  imposing  view,  within  a  convt-nieut  drive  from  the  Springs,  is 
Waring  Hill,  on  the  road  to  Mouiil  Pleasant,  one  uf  the  higl  est  points  of  land 
between  the  valley  of  tjle  iJitlson  and  Lake  Ontario.  This  view  includes  the 
villages  of  Saratoga,  Ballston  Spa,  Schenectady,  WalerfonI,  MechanicsviUe, 
Schuylerville,  Saratoga  Lake,  Fish  Creek,  Owl  Pond,  Ballston  Lake  and  Round 
Lake,  together  with  the  winding  stream  of  Kayaderosseras,  from  its  source  in 
the  sides  of  the  mountain  to  its  entrance  Itlto  Buuiluga  Lake,  and  the  whole 
coursB  of  the  Hudson,  from  its  confluence  with  the  Sacondaga  until  It  is  luat 
in  the  midst  of  the  Catskill  Mountains.  This  view  is  obtained  by  a  drive  up 
the    Hadley    Plank    Road    of  about  eight   miles ;   thence   along   the    Mount 


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VISITORS*   OUIOt. 


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Pleasant  Plank  Road  nearly  up  to  the  foot  of  Waring  Hill,  six  miles  ;  thence 
to  the  right  by  a  mountain  road  for  half  a  mile.  At  this  point  the  carriages 
are  to  be  left,  and  Waring  Hill,  of  three  hundred  feet,  is  to  be  ascended  on 
foot.  The  excursion  may  be  made  between  the  breakfast  and  dinner  hours 
with  great  ease.  A  good  glass  is  important,  for  many  of  the  villages  are  not 
to  be  seen  distinctly  by  the  naked  eye."* 

Corinth  Falls  (fifteen  miles  north).  "  Another  drive  is  Corinth  Falls  in 
the  Hudson  River,  about  one  mile  from  Jessup's  Landing.  In  order  to  view 
the  falls  from  the  Luzerne  side,  it  is  necessary  to  cross  the  river  at  the 
landing,  and  drive  to  the  tup  of  the  bluff,  which  rises  one  hundred  feet  above 
tht  falls,  or  to  the  bank  of  the  river  below  them."  * 

LuzKRNK  (twenty-two  miles  north). 

Glkns  Falls  (nineteen  miles  northeast). 

Lake  Georgi  (about  thirty  miles  north).  Those  who  have  private  car- 
riages, or  who  prefer  driving  to  the  regular  railroad  routes,  can  make  a  pleas- 
ant trip  to  Luzerne  and  the  Falls  of  the  Hudson  by  the  old  stage  road. 
There  are  several  roads  to  Glens  Falls  and  Fort  Edward.  In  the  autumn, 
when  the  woods  are  aglow  with  color,  a  delightful  trip  can  be  made  to  Glens 
Falls  by  carriage,  and  thence  to  the  loot  of  Lake  George. 

The  mineral  spring  at  Ballston  Spa,  which  rendered  it  a  popular  resort 
during  the  first  half  of  this  century,  was  unknown  to  the  Indians,  and  undis- 
covered by  the  whites  until  1771.  At  this  time  Benagar  Douglas,  father  of 
Senator  Stephen  A.  Douglas,  came  as  a  pioneer  settler  to  the  spring.  He 
soon  afterward  built  a  tavern  which  was  the  first  of  a  large  number  erected  in 
the  following  years,  and  culminating  in  the  famous  Sans  Souci  Hotel  built  in 
1803  and  destroyed  in  1890. 

About  the  same  time  a  prominent  settler,  fur  wbcm  Ballston  was  named, 
located  near  the  spring,  the  Rev.  Eliphalet  Ball,  a  third  cousin  of  George 
Washington.  His  son  John  was  a  colonel  in  the  Continental  Army  and  his 
daughter  Mary  became  the  wife  of  General  James  Gordon,  who  was  in  active 
service  during  the  Revolution.  General  Gordon  was  taken  prisoner  by  the 
Tories  in  a  cruel  raid  upon  Ballston  in  1780.  He  had  just  returned  from  a 
session  of  the  Legislature  at  Poughkeepsie  and  was  sleeping  peacefully  in  his 
home  (which  was  opposite  the  beautiful  and  well-known  country  seat,  "  Rose 
Hill,"  the  residence  of  the  late  Judge  James  Thompson),  when  he  was  sud- 
denly awakened  by  the  thrusting  of  bayonets  through  the  windows  of  his 
bed-room.  The  Indians  accompanying  the  Tories  attempted  to  tomahawk 
General  Gordon,  but  were  checked  by  a  white  officer  who  took  him  prisoner. 
Two  other  men  and  three  negro  slaves  were  taken  with  him  ;  other  houses 
were  invaded  and  many  prisoners  taken  ;  houses  and  bs^rns  were  burned    .nd 

*  Dr.  Allen's  Hand-Book  of  Saratoga. 


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a  scene  of  indiscriminate  plunder  ensued.  These  prisoners  were  taken  to 
Canada  and  removed  from  Quebec  to  the  Isle  of  Orleans. 

Ballston  suffered  another  raid  of  a  similar  character  in  the  following  year, 
1781,  and  the  prisoners  taken  then  were  also  conveyed  to  the  Isle  of  Orleans, 
and  thus  in  the  bonds  of  anguish  were  the  old  neighbors  of  Ballston  strangely 
united, proving  that  "truth  is  stronger  than  fiction."  Together  they  effected 
an  escape,  and  after  enduring  many  hardships  they  reached  Boston  to  find 
that  peace  had  been  de<  lared. 

Ballston  is  picturesquely  located  on  the  Kayaderosseras  and  encompassed 
by  hills,  which  command  imposinc;  views  ;  her  adjacent  farms  are  fertile  and 
highly  cultivated,  and  embrace  the  renown^ft  'five-mile  sqi  are  "  selected  by 
the  early  surveyors  of  the  Kayaderosseras  patent  to  remunerate  them  for 
their  services. 

Ballston  has  large  paper  mills  and  other  factories,  and  it  is  the  su  nmer 
home  of  many  families  whose  traditions  date  back  to  its  historical  days. 


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WEBSTER,  N.Y.  145«0 

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SARATOGA   SPRENGS,  N.   Y. 


OPEM   FROM   JVKE   TO   OCTORER. 

Location  on  BROADWAY  and  occupying  the  entire  block  between  the  celebrated 
Hathorn  and  Congress  Springs. 

Accommodation,  looo  guests.  Rates,  $3.00  to  $5.00  per  day,  according  to  location  of 
room. 

Special  Bates  made  by  the  week.  Organization  and  management  from  the  famous 
Lake  wood. 

H.    S.    CLEMENT, 

Manager. 


Q'be  Saratoga  Real  Qstate  Qfhoe^>- 

CONKLING  &  KNAPP, 


Special  Attention  gtren  to  BeEtingofFnmiiliOfi  Oottageii  Ibr 

the  Seaion. 
ComminlonR  tn  Dae  ind  Pifkbic  when  Contracts  or  lieasea 

•re  Signed. 


No.  e  Post  Office  Arcade, 
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THE    SARATOCIAN 


^11 


Qailxf  and  ^eeHlj/. 


I  i 


m  t 


The   Oldest  and  Most  liVidely   Circulated  Watering 

Place  Journal  Published  in  the 

United  States. 


h     '         «! 


CpHE  SARATOGIAN  is  on  file  in  most  of  the  leading 
American  and  European  Summer  resorts,  and  in  London, 
Paris  and  Berlin.  It  publishes  Hotel,  College  and  Society 
personals,  with  full  daily  arrivals  at  all  the  hotels.  An  un- 
rivaled advertising  medium. 


The  Oldest  New^spaper  in  Saratoga. 

W.   A.   McELWAIN, 

Manager. 


f    ! 


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SARATOGA  BOOK  STORE, 


410  BnoADvi'AV, 
SARATOGA    SPRINGS,    N.  Y. 


C.  W,  FSHFISS.]!!. 


White  Holly  Fancy  Goods,  with  Views  of  Schuylerville  Monument ;  Saratoga  Views  also. 
Mt.  McGregor  Souvenirs.  Guide  Books,  Games,  Toys,  School  Books,  Family  Bibles, 
Photograph  Albums,  Birthday  and  Reward  Cards. 


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N0RTH  BROADWAY, 

SARAT0GA  SPRINGS, 
NEWVeRK. 

This  house  has  always  been  patronized  by  a  select  class  of 
guests,  and  it  will  continue  to  be  conducted  in  strictly  first-class 
style,  and  every  effort  made  to  maintain  its  high  reputation. 


lu 


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( 


ADVERTISEMENTS. 


LIFE  AND  TIMES 


OF 


KATERI   TEKAKWITHA. 

"  The  Lily  of  the  Mohawk8"-i6S6-l680. 


BY  MISS  ELLEN  H,  WALWORTH, 
Author  of  ^'  An  Old  World  as  Seen  Through  Young  Eyes:' 


This  work  is,  as  the  title  would  indicate,  a  biography  and  a  history.  It  shows  along 
and  careful  study  of  the  life  and  surroundings  of  the  Indian  maiden,  "  Tekakwitha,"  and 
much  consultation  also  with  living  historians  who  have  taken  interest  in  this  and  kin- 
dred subjects. 

The  Toronto  Globe  says :  "  ThiS  is  a  charmingly  written  story.  The  word  painting  is,  in  many  in- 
stances, powerful,  while  the  gentle  charuct'er  of  the  Indian  maiden,  and  the  peaceful  country  of  the  long-dead 
Indians,  is  pictured  in  realistic  sentences." 

John  Gilmarv  Shea  says:  "Kateri  Tekakwitha,  known  heretofore  mainly  to  scholarD  in  this  land, 
will  now  be  known,  loved  and  venerated  by  the  thousands  who  will  read  your  pages  with  ever-increasing 
interest." 

Handsomely  printed  on  tinted  paper,  with  eight  illustrations,  i2tno,  325  pages,  bound 

in  cloth.     If  not  to  be  found  at  your  bookseller's,  we  will  mail  it  post-paid  on  receipt  of 

price,  $1.25. 

PETER  PAUL  &  BRO., 

PUBLISHERS,  BOOKSELLERS 
AND  STATIONERS, 

420  Main  St.,  Buffalo,  N.  Y. 


'  f 


Burgoyne,  and  the  Northern  Campaign. 


BY  WILLIAM  L.  STONE. 


Ui 


n 


MUNSELL'S    SONS,    PUBLISHERS, 

ALBANY,    N.    Y. 


ADVERTISEMENTS. 


MM  0^/P  W@ll&^ 


AS    SKEN 


OR   TRAVELS    AROUND   THE    WORLD. 


itv 


Miss    ELLEN    H.    WALWORTH 


One  Volume,  Grown  8to.,  with  76  lUustratious,  Cloth  Extra.     Price,  $2, 

D.   &   J.   SADLIER   &   CO.,    Publishers, 

31   Barclay   Street,    New   York. 


"De  Quincy  used  to  say  ihat  the  best  models  of  English  style  were  to  be  found  in  the  domestic  corre- 
spondence of  well-bred  women,  and  it  is  certain  that  we  seldom  meet  among  the  products  of  the  American 
Kress  with  a  more  crisp,  vivacious  and  thoroughly  unconventional  diction  than  that  presented  in  the  letters 
ere  thrown  together  in  book  form." — Ni:iv  York  Sun. 

"  With  hardly  a  trace  of  the  school  girl  style  slie  has  given  a  freshness  and  novelty  to  her  subject  which, 
without  undue  indulgence,  may  be  pronounced  charming."— Z.y«;i7'/V/?  Courier-Journal. 

"  Governor  Seward  made  the  tour  of  the  world  after  his  retirement  from  public  life,  and  his  narrative 
thereof  is  one  of  the  most  entertaining  stories  of  travel  in  print.  This  narrative  by  a  truant  school  girl  is 
scarcely  less  so.  The  one  gives  the  impressions  made  on  the  mind  of  the  wary  and  experienced  statesman,  and 
the  other  those  made  on  the  mind  of  an  impressionable  and  .singularly  brilliant  girl  of  fourteen." — C/thagv 
Saturday  Evening  Herald. 

"One  of  the  daintiest  books  of  travel  that  has  appeared  for  a  long  time  is  'An  Old  World  as  Seen 
Through  Young  Eyes.'  "—The  Philadelfhia  Press. 

"  The  secret  of  her  art  i;.  that  there  is  no  art  about  it.  She  was  not  writing  for  the  public,  but  to  tell  the 
truth  and  please  herself." — St.  Louis  Daily  J'imes, 

"Miss  Walworth  is  a  traveler  who  possesses  the  rare  faculty  of  seeing  things  that  are  worthy  of  being  seen, 
and  the  still  rarer  faculty  of  closing  her  mind  if  not  her  eyes  to  things  indifferent."— ^//xi/y  Morning  Excess. 

"They  evince  the  possession  not  only  of  literary  faculty  in  an  uncommon  degree,  but  unusual  powers  of 
observation  and  rare  co  nmand  of  language.  But  perhaps  their  principal  charm  ties  in  that  delightful  nalveti 
close  akin  to  humor  which  characterizes  tnem."—  The  Daily  Saratogian. 


'U 


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The  Mt.  McGregor  Railway 


Is  particularly  a  pleasure  road,  controlled  by  the 
company,  and  trains  will  be  run  to  accommodate  the 
public,  at  all  reasonable  hours.  Visitors  to  Saratoga 
should  not  fail  to  spend  a  few  days  on  Mt.  McGregor 
at  Hotel  Balmoral. 

Ticket  Offices  near  Waverly  Hotel, 
North  Broadway, 
And  first  door  south  of  U.  S.  Hotel. 

Tar 5  for  RoIii\6l  frip,  $1.00. 

Mt.  McGregor  is  highly  recommended  for  persons  suff'iring  from 

hay-fever  and  asthma. 

THE  KENAQRE 

o 

NORTH  BROADWAY,  COR.  VAN  DAM  ST. 

I^irstxolass  in  ^U  fts  71(,t>t>ointnient8. 

gteam   ^eat  and   ^leotrio  ^ells. 

Xermsy  $2.00  to  $2.50  per  Day. 

-^  SF'ECIAL    RATES    BY    THE    WEEK  \^ 


OPEN  ALL  THE  YEAR. 


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e 


THE   POMREIA, 

e>  ®       South  Broadway,   SARATOGA. 


VISITORS  AT  ONCE  STEP  INTO 


A  Samptnoas  Pompeian  Palace  of  Two  Thousand  Years  Ago, 

Before  Us  destrnctlon  by  Vesuvius. 

Frescos,  Engravings,  Furniture,  Fountains,  Statuary,  Marbles, 
Ornaments,  Mosaics,  Pictures. 

ILLUSTRATIONS  OF  THE 

Grandeur  of  T^noient  Poinpeii,  with  Its  iRrt,   ^istory^  and  [{omanoe. 

Pompeian  and  Roman  Life,  Art,  Manners  and  Worship  fully  illustrated. 
Descriptive  Pamphlets  at  the  Hotels  and  Springs. 


Open   Day  and  Evening. 


ADMITTANCE  50  CENTS. 


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